DECRYPTION – The glass is half full after the Parisian victory over Dortmund on Tuesday, even if the projects are still substantial.
«It was important to start like that», relishes Vitinha. The results are indeed positive after PSG’s victory against Dortmund (2-0) on Tuesday during the first day of the Champions League. Already the balance sheet, with these three points – while Milan and Newcastle drew at San Siro (0-0) – and no goals conceded. All four days after a defeat against Nice (2-3). Refuel at home, an obligation in such a dense group. “It was important to win, first because they are a very strong rival and secondly because we are at home, we always have to win at homeswore Manuel Ugarte. We are happy but we know it is a very difficult group.»
Very strong rival? Maybe on paper, but it didn’t show on Tuesday evening. Disappointing since the start of the Bundesliga season, Borussia has hardly impressed at the Parc des Princes. “After the opening score, it became difficult to defend. It was also complicated on the offensive level, we made a lot of mistakes. We weren’t aggressive enough», summarized Edin Terzic, the Dortmund coach having only moderately appreciated the penalty awarded to Paris at the start of the second half. “There is no rule too clear», complains the German technician, after this fault of hand it is true contentious. Generous or at least questionable penalty, average opponent: elements which lead us to put the analyzes and praise into perspective.
Read also PSG notes against Dortmund: decisive Mbappé, delicious Hakimi, ghostly Kolo Muani
I liked almost everything.
Luis Enrique
Nevertheless, PSG had an evening “almost perfect», as analyzed by Luis Enrique after the game. Almost perfect because the Rouge et Bleu, incisive from the start, were in control for the vast majority of the match. Possession, but also opportunities. An effective counter-pressing which stifled the Germans, unable to develop their game and worry Gianluigi Donnarumma (1 save). It was more fluid, more aggressive, more direct after the break. “I liked almost everything. Intensity from the start, speed and control of the game», smiles Luis Enrique, believing that this “meeting reinforces (his/her) ideas“. It was also at the end of a placed attack that Achraf Hakimi scored the break goal, just before the hour mark, even if this group is still very oriented towards transition. “Lucho” has work to do to change the nature of some people. Maybe he’s the one who will have to adapt. In the meantime, PSG “plays, attacks and defends at 11”, as Hakimi points out. And that’s new in Paris. This is the big positive point of this game and the start of the season.
Under these conditions, it is possible to build, work, progress and therefore move towards excellence. As for individual performances, Hakimi shone, Vitinha too, Ugarte demonstrates match after match that he is already essential and Warren Zaire-Emery lets loose. The aggressiveness of Lucas Hernandez does a lot of good, Marquinhos regains his splendor and Kylian Mbappé was once again decisive, his eighth goal in five matches. However, we are entitled to demand more accuracy from the captain of the France team, clumsy in this meeting. Good news ? Even with a (very) average Mbappé, Paris Saint-Germain won against the German vice-champions. Good news.
Read also “Almost perfect” evening, Mbappé “best in the world”, the “magic” of Dembélé… The words of Luis Enrique after PSG-Dortmund
The Dembélé enigma
PSG will nevertheless have to find other threats to the goal, other scorers. Transfigured since Luis Enrique took office, Achraf Hakimi is clearly one of the threats to opposing defenses. For now, neither Gonçalo Ramos nor Randal Kolo-Muani have managed to score at center forward. Finally, it was Marco Asensio, currently injured, who was the most effective up front, in a false 9 role. And there is the enigma Ousmane Dembélé. A player “Magic» according to his trainer, who “would pay to see him play“. The former Rennais in fact makes exceptional gestures on each of his outings, he makes differences galore and allows the opposing block to be stretched. It also has a lot of waste. In the last gesture obviously, but not only. On Tuesday, the 26-year-old French international lost a third of his balls (!), still chasing his first goal and his first assist of the season. Everything is there, except the accuracy.
An illness from which he is not the only one to suffer on the banks of the Seine. PSG has barely been on target since the start of the season. Again on Tuesday, the reigning French champions only shot on target three times, out of 17 shots in total. Starving. Note that the departures of Neymar and Leo Messi leave a big void when it comes to set pieces. Tuesday, Dembélé was very average in this area. More generally, the lack of genius creators should be felt throughout the season. Against Dortmund, however, Vitinha played an incredible game, suggesting that he could, perhaps, reveal himself in this area.
Read also PSG: “Freer and better used”, Hakimi lives again under Luis Enrique
Whether before, during or after matches, there is a very important connection with the supporters.
Manuel Ugarte
To be confirmed, knowing that the Portuguese started very well last season before diving. “We had some very clear chances that we should have negotiated better, the result could have been bigger and we must improve our management of the last 15 minutes», summarizes Luis Enrique, who can attack the rest a little more calmly. Only a little, knowing that the next opponent is OM, Sunday (8:45 p.m.), at the Parc des Princes. “The most important thing is that we won by playing our game. We are now already looking forward to the next match», blurted Ugarte on Tuesday. And to add: “It’s a Classic, and Classics are always different. As I often say, you have to play as a team, pay attention to details because it is a very important and very competitive match. Obviously, playing at home is going to be very important and we are very optimistic.” There is something. Especially since Olympique de Marseille is going through an incredible crisis. Marcelino has already left. Suspense for Pablo Longoria and other leaders.
One thing is certain: unlike OM, PSG has made peace with its supporters and its Ultras. It wasn’t won a few weeks ago… “The atmosphere against Dortmund? Amazing. Whether before, during or after matches, there is a very important connection with them and it shows on the pitch. It has a big role for the team», underlines Manuel Ugarte. “Even when we don’t win, when we’re in bad times, we know that the supporters are with us. And we are with them too. It will be decisive this season, that’s how we go far», agrees Vitinha, elected man of the match on Tuesday. The bases are there, for Parisians to confirm and progress.
