As another summer approaches, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) finds itself at a familiar crossroads. Following a challenging 2022-23 season, both on and off the pitch, the club once again confronts the need for significant changes. While on the brink of clinching another Ligue 1 title, PSG must evolve and set their sights in the right direction, finally learning from past mistakes.
The most pressing matter, above all, is to deliver what the fans crave: a cohesive PSG team for the upcoming season. No longer should they witness a mere collection of individuals on the pitch, struggling to connect or relying on improvisation. Instead, the supporters yearn for a team defined by consistent patterns of play, a distinct style of football, innovative ideas, and unpredictable movement. Passing triangles, tactical intelligence, and structured gameplay have been sorely lacking in recent years.
Under the guidance of their two most recent managers, Christophe Galtier and Mauricio Pochettino, PSG faced complaints from players regarding insufficient emphasis on team tactics. The presence of superstars like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe is only one piece of the puzzle; merely giving them the ball and hoping for brilliance is insufficient.
When PSG opts for a three-man defense, they often struggle to find the wing backs in space, hampering their ability to disrupt opposing defenses. Consequently, they rarely employ effective cross-field play to catch their adversaries off guard. The team’s staggering nine defeats in 26 games across all competitions in 2023, averaging a loss every three matches, can be attributed to tactical deficiencies (Lyon, Monaco, Lyon), insufficient pressing (Bayern Munich, Rennes), and an inability to overcome opposition pressure (Marseille, Lens, Rennes, Bayern Munich). PSG must change this trend by becoming adept at both pressing and countering aggressive opponents, all while having a clear plan for ball movement.
To transform into a unified team, PSG must appoint the right manager, as the two aspects are inextricably linked. After a series of misguided coaching decisions, the club must exercise greater discernment this time.
Galtier, who took the helm in July 2022, proved inadequate, resulting in his anticipated departure this summer, with a year remaining on his contract. Pochettino (January 2021 to July 2022) found himself compromising too much to achieve success. However, the root of the issue extends even further back. Thomas Tuchel (August 2018 to December 2020) fell victim to his toxic relationship with former sporting director Leonardo, ultimately ousted as part of a restructuring process. Unai Emery (August 2016 to May 2018) was an ill-suited choice from the beginning, while Laurent Blanc (August 2013 to May 2016) lacked the necessary toughness.
This time, the new manager must possess a genuine identity and philosophy, coupled with the flexibility to adapt to a team in flux. Furthermore, they need a strong personality to thrive in the Parisian spotlight, dealing with the pressures of performance, fan expectations, the demands of the club’s Qatari owners, and internal politics.
While the exact individual might not be available on the market this summer, PSG must strive to find the closest match to the aforementioned profile. Whether it is Nasser al Khelaifi and key decision-makers like Thiago Motta, Luis Enrique, José Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Luciano Spalletti, Zinedine Zidane, or Julian Nagelsmann is somewhat immaterial. The paramount objective is to select the most suitable candidate among these options.
Ultimately, the players must align with the new manager’s vision. PSG’s sporting director, Luis Campos, and the club’s owner must first appoint the manager and subsequently provide the necessary players to fulfill their vision. However, one thing is clear: PSG will no longer rely solely on signing established superstars. This summer, Lionel Messi’s departure after two seasons that fell short of expectations is imminent. While his time in Paris achieved some success, including domestic trophies and expanding the PSG brand globally, it is evident that this approach is insufficient to conquer the Champions League.
Sources reveal that PSG’s transfer targets this summer will predominantly consist of younger players, primarily French, and ideally, Parisian. The club aims to bolster its ranks with talents such as midfielders Manu Koné (Borussia Monchengladbach) and Kephren Thuram (Nice), forwards Randall Kolo Muani (Eintracht Frankfurt) and Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen), playmaker Rayan Cherki (Lyon), and defender Evan N’Dicka (Frankfurt). Naturally, exceptions exist, such as Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), who expresses eagerness to join PSG, and the more challenging pursuits of Victor Osimhen (Napoli) and Harry Kane (Tottenham), considering the high demand for both players.
Regarding departures, Messi’s imminent exit is confirmed, and the club desires Neymar to follow suit. Therefore, this summer represents a critical period for Luis Campos. While he has thus far been shielded from criticism, likely due to his close relationship with Mbappe, the sporting director must excel in acquiring and offloading players once the transfer window opens. Failure to do so will leave Campos on the sidelines for the second phase of the rebuild, occurring in January.
In conclusion, PSG faces a pivotal juncture as they approach the summer transfer window. Rebuilding the team, finding the right manager, and securing players who align with the club’s vision will be paramount to their future success. The forthcoming decisions made by PSG’s hierarchy will determine whether the team can finally achieve the cohesive, tactically astute unit that fans have been longing for.
