It was under a bright summer sun and temperatures worthy of the month of July that the PSG players carried out their last training, this Tuesday late afternoon on the lawn of Signal Iduna Park, on the eve of their semi-final. – Champions League final first leg against Dortmund. Smiles and good humor accompanied this final session which revealed nothing of Luis Enrique’s intentions.
Despite the exceptional nature of the meeting, the Spanish technician did not change his habits and remained faithful to his customs by not making any setup. A big toro to start, a ball conservation exercise on a reduced pitch then during which the coach mixed the teams and a series of more or less distant strikes in front of the goal, after passing circuits, to finish.
Nuno Mendes, who had started the session normally, did not participate in this last exercise. Left to rest against Le Havre last Saturday, the Portuguese defender sat for long minutes in the central circle, watching his partners chain strikes and bludgeon Donnarumma, Navas and Tenas. The left back then spoke with a physiotherapist and Patrick Flament, the club doctor, away from the group. Since his return to competition in February, the medical staff has been very cautious with a player prone to injuries in the past.
An attacking trio that can hurt Dortmund
It remains to be seen, now, if Nuno Mendes preferred to shorten his session in order not to take any risks and if he feels able to hold his place for a semi-final first leg of the Champions League which requires a certain physical demand, again more against the very restless German wingers. If the Portuguese was unable to play, Lucas Beraldo could occupy the left lane. Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos and Lucas Hernandez should complete the Parisian rearguard.
Barring any surprises, which can never be ruled out with Luis Enrique, the rest of the Parisian team has no uncertainties. The Spanish technician should regain confidence in the winners of FC Barcelona during the quarter-final return to Montjuic (1-4), a fortnight ago.
The trio Dembélé, Mbappé, Barcola should be renewed against a crumbly Dortmund defense lacking speed. In midfield, it is also an association that has proven itself, with Vitinha as sentinel supported by Fabian Ruiz and Zaire-Emery.
The probable composition of PSG: Donnarumma – Hakimi, Marquinhos (cap.), Hernandez, Nuno Mendes – Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz – Dembélé, Mbappé, Barcola.
The probable composition of Borussia Dortmund: Kobel – Ryerson, Hummels or Süle, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen – Can (cap.), Sabitzer – Sancho, Brandt, Adeyemi – Füllkrug.
