The cheat sheet of PSG – RB Leipzig (3-2): The genius Kylian Mbappé, the enigma Mauricio Pochettino

The game: a small miracle for PSG

We were closer to PSG in Bruges than to that of City. Far too technically fair, beaten in the start, without an answer to the tactical problem posed by a much more coherent Leipzig team, Paris has been dominated in all areas of the game. But Mauricio Pochettino’s training still has this exceptional quality when it comes to manages to find verticality in the game. It is thanks to this, to the talent of Kylian Mbappé, to a saving tactical change and to a guilty naivety of the German defense that he was able to obtain an unexpected victory.

The players: If it hadn’t been for Mbappé …

This victory, it is to Kylian Mbappé that the PSG owes it. It was he who made the differences in the game, and especially on the scoreboard with a goal, an assist and a penalty caused (and a miss). Leo Messi scored a brace and he’s worth gold, although that’s about all there is to take from his performance. The other strong individual in Paris is Keylor Navas, determining at the start of the match in particular. The others did not have the expected return. In Leipzig, Angeliño made his left foot speak on the two German goals. Christopher Nkunku and André Silva also hurt the Parisian defense.

The X factor: The 3-5-2, and it starts again

Paris did not lead wide at 1-2 per hour of play. And Mauricio Pochettino then found the parade by moving to 3-5-2, a first this season. A winning move symbolized by Achraf Hakimi, transparent until then and transfigured in this configuration that he likes. The Moroccan first scratched a ball in Angeliño’s feet on the Parisian equalizer before causing a penalty harvested by Kylian Mbappé at the very end of the match. This pattern has not necessarily given more collective control to PSG. But its implementation made the game go round.

The state: 14

If a figure reflects the domination of Leipzig, it is not the number of shots, even if it is in favor of the Germans (18, against 14 at PSG). It is especially that of the strikes in the area. There were no less than 14 for the visitors, against 8 for PSG. This reflects both the superiority of Leipzig in the midfield, the ability of the German club to find a number in the area but also its ineffectiveness in front of goal. This above all confirms that PSG concedes a lot of scoring chances. He didn’t pay it this Tuesday. But it is problematic.

The statement: Kylian Mbappé (PSG striker)

For now, we are not playing well and we are winning. I think you have to play better to win more calmly.

The question: Did Pochettino grow out of this victory?

First, there is the balance sheet of PSG, in a strong position halfway through this group stage with two wins and one draw. Paris is at the top of its Champions League group. This is not trivial. Because Paris was immediately put into difficulty by conceding a draw in Bruges, the team considered to be the weakest in its group. He did not lead off before receiving Manchester City. Three weeks and two victories later, the formation of Mauricio Pochettino is mistress of its destiny. It is to be emphasized.

The Argentinian is not there for nothing. His tactical change felt a bit like a desperate bet. Paris had never evolved in a system with three central defenders since the start of the season. You had to dare to put it in place for the first time, during a Champions League match. But if his daring paid off, that should not mask the failure of these choices so far. The Argentine first attempted the 4-3-3 which had worked against City. Without success. Then he opted for a 4-4-2, without more success. He seemed without a solution. And this reflects shortcomings in the preparation of the match.

There is indeed the balance sheet and this winning tactical bet. But fundamentally, Pochettino remains an enigma. He lives on a curious paradox which sees Paris chain the victories without having a real collective control. The style of play that the Argentinian technician wants to put in place is still just as difficult to read. The capital club continues to live on the talent of its individualities. The story was no different against Leipzig. But to aim for the coronation, it still seems so light.