Structurally the club is in some of the best shape that many clubs could only dream of. As I’ve mentioned in a previous, financial muscle supplied by the Qatar Sports Investment in unison with a sporting director like Leonardo. These are the ideal conditions for a club to progress quickly, but why then has psg failed to make the next step and claim the title.
The next question would be managers, since the new ownership entered the fray Psg has had 4 manager since 2011. Ancelotti, Blanc, Emery and now Thomas Tuchel. None of these managers are lacking tactically with Emery and Ancelotti lifting Champions league and Eurpa league respectively.
With these factors well accounted for the issue must lie with the players. Recruiting wise Psg has not struggled I would remind the reader, that Marco Veratti was scouted from Serie B with Pescara.
This now begs the question how do events like the remontada occur, with superstars in the squad.
First I would raise the issue that although 3 French players featured in the second leg and 4 in the first. Only Rabiot came through their youth system, with talented academy product Kingsley Coman sold off to Juventus and on loan at Bayern. The retention of youngsters coming thru the academy is the first problem. I have highlighted one who is touted to become world class.
The second issue is not of the quality of signings as the talent of Neymar is undeniable. A more sophisticated approach in considering chemistry and player temperament.
My case here is that this season has seen Antoine Greizman move to Barcelona for €120 million. This in contrast to the Neymar transfer for €222 million. Although Greizman’s price had a clause that only reduced his price on 1 July. Effectively at the time of the Neymar purchase he cost €200 million. My feeling is that he would’ve been a much better fit for Psg.
Ideally a Psg that featured Mbappe Greizman Coman as the attacking front and more home grown players would benefit the club greatly as I feel they would take the losses more personally.
This argument is muted by the fact players have their own ambitions for winning the champions league. Also, many of the foreign based players may not feel personal attachment to Paris, they do need to perform for national team selection and personal accolades.
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