The uncertainty surrounding Paris Saint-Germain’s capacity to maintain their status in the Champions League following Kylian Mbappe’s exit has begun to dissipate, thanks to an impressive streak of form that sets the French side up brilliantly for their highly anticipated last-16 clash with Liverpool.
“We will need to replace his impact with the effort of the entire team, and possibly with around four, five, or six new additions,” coach Luis Enrique stated at the conclusion of the previous season while contemplating life without the Real Madrid-bound stars.
Under Qatari ownership, the club had just completed a successful domestic campaign, securing both the French league and cup titles, while also reaching the Champions League semi-finals during Luis Enrique’s initial season in charge, with Mbappe netting an impressive 44 goals.
In light of Mbappe’s departure, PSG invested heavily in the summer, bringing in four new players: Joao Neves, Desire Doue, Willian Pacho, and Matvey Safonov.
However, the decision to forgo a tried-and-tested goal-scorer seemed to be backfiring as they struggled in European competition, with Randal Kolo Muani falling out of favour.
PSG managed to score just three goals in their first five Champions League matches this season, with losses to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich putting them at risk of being eliminated before the knockout stage.
Still, their performance in the last three months has been nothing short of sensational, with the stats revealing the story.
Since a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on November 26, PSG have gone unbeaten in 22 matches across all competitions.
They have triumphed in their last five Champions League encounters, scoring a staggering 21 goals, including 10 against Brest in the play-off round.
A recent 4-1 victory over Lille marked their 10th consecutive win in all competitions, ensuring their domestic unbeaten streak continues this season.
“Absolutely ruthless, at times magnificent,” described their performance against France’s other remaining Champions League contenders, as noted by sports daily L’Equipe.
PSG’s first-half display in that match was particularly outstanding, and long-time followers of the club since the life-changing Qatari takeover in 2011 are now speculating whether this current team is the best they have ever witnessed.
This claim would indeed be bold, given the legendary players who have graced the club, including the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Neymar.
“We are in fantastic form; it’s all systems go,” stated captain Marquinhos, who has been with the club since 2013.
“We depend on our collective strength. It has taken time, and we have evolved step by step. Still, there are areas we need to refine.”
No longer chokers?
Ousmane Dembele has now taken charge of the PSG attack, undergoing a transformation from a thrilling winger known for his erratic finishing to one of the most efficient forwards in the game.
This season, he has scored 26 goals, with 21 of them coming in just 16 appearances since mid-December while primarily playing centrally.
In contrast, last season, while supporting Mbappe, he managed only six goals. Meanwhile, Bradley Barcola has progressed from five goals last season to 17 so far this year.
The only uncertainty in a settled side, boasting a fully fit squad, is who will take up the final spot in the front three for Wednesday’s first leg at the Parc des Princes.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is still acclimatising after his arrival in January from Napoli, which could mean that Doue may get the start.
The 19-year-old winger, who is also capable of playing in midfield, has a flair reminiscent of Neymar and has either scored or assisted 16 goals since mid-December.
“The team is enjoying a rich vein of form,” remarked Luis Enrique, although he remains cautious about Liverpool, who offer a significant challenge compared to any recent opponents.
PSG have historically faltered in pivotal Champions League matches over the last decade, but could this encounter against a team that topped the league stage mark a turning point?
“We are up against the best team in Europe, who qualified with aplomb. However, our approach is not one of speculation or mere defence,” insisted Luis Enrique.
“We will adopt an attacking strategy and aim to seize control of the match.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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