🔗 Share this article

“It’s both beautiful and frustrating,” says the PSG manager. The Paris Saint-Germain manager has a tricky relationship with how his club's league matches play out. Whenever the Parisians play, one team goes forward and the other protects. “I like attacking a low block,” he maintains. “This is the game situation I know best. I am very respectful of how other teams play. Though unconventional compared to our style, I acknowledge and welcome it.”

Dealing with deep defenses isn’t really a choice for PSG; it is simply their reality, because of the skill gap created by budget inequality. Their quality typically shines through and the low-block is unlocked with mixed ease. But it has been tougher this season.

Control of the Ball But Poor Output

The Parisians have maintained over 72% ball control in the French league so far this term. Against Nice on Saturday, they had over 76% possession and made numerous passes, against just 182 for Nice. By half-time, the Portuguese midfielder had 90 touches of the ball – only six less than the entire Nice team – but PSG struggled to make their domination tell. When the first period ended, opposition defender Bah, whose header was cleared off the line by his teammate, had been the most dangerous.

This performance wasn't isolated. They had shared points in 75% of their recent Ligue 1 games. They had 71% possession against Strasbourg, but were needing a last-minute tying goal from Mayulu to salvage a point. Even with 77% possession against another French side in midweek, they managed just one goal and were unable to win. Nearly a third of the way into the season, PSG are only the fifth top scorers in Ligue 1 – behind Marseille, Lille, Monaco and Strasbourg.

Attacking Unit Problems

This reflects the special treatment that PSG attract, but also reflects a serious concern. Their forwards are not scoring. Ousmane Dembélé’s 29 goals last season contributed to PSG's Ligue 1 and the Champions League; Bradley Barcola scored 14 goals in the league; The talented youngster hit 16 in all competitions; and Kvaratskhelia scored several times after his winter transfer.

He received the Ballon d’Or and, while it is debatable that the French star is indeed the world's top footballer, it is difficult to argue that he was not the top performer of the last season. He's recorded merely five strikes in 12 appearances this season. He encountered a hamstring injury while on country representation in early autumn, which caused a blame game between PSG and the national squad that has seen the connection between club and country worsen. Dembélé missed around several weeks of action as a result, but he appears below his best. Following the victory against Nice, he was seen holding his thigh. “The pain is intense,” he told club colleague.

Fitness Issues

Luis Enrique says the forward should be available to face Bayern Munich this week in the European competition but, while he returns to full fitness, other players have to step up. Sadly, Doué is unavailable. The young attacker was also sidelined in September. He was returning to his best when he was affected by another thigh injury, which is expected to rule him out until the new year. The Georgian is a massive asset to his team but he often saves his best performances for the big occasions in the European stage; he is still without a goal in Ligue 1 this season. Another forward, PSG’s highest goal-getter in all competitions this season, has just one score in his last eight appearances and is in a goal drought. A player who scores in bursts, the form will certainly come back, but he shouldn't be relied upon to be the goalscorer in this high-priced PSG attack.

Their center forward got the decisive goal against Nice but will he remain in the lineup in the team?

These were the expectations assigned to Gonçalo Ramos when he arrived in last year. The Portugal striker reached the milestone of 100 appearances for PSG against Nice, but he has started on the sidelines in the majority of those appearances. Recording nearly half his total after entering as a replacement, he has very much assumed the role of the “super-sub”, partly because of his limited contribution when starting, but mainly owing to his coach's hesitation to field a out-and-out forward. “What explains my bench scoring record? Well, simply because I come off the bench more than I start,” quipped Ramos after the match.

Turning Point

With their attack struggling across the attacking unit, Ramos’ last-gasp winner has given his manager food for thought. Their number nine failed to convert several opportunities before converting his next and winning the match, but the fact that PSG’s best chances came to him is telling. His finishing is instinctive and that is what PSG were buying when they invested €65m. “He is a very important player for us because he is always ready for every match, regardless of his starting status,” said Luis Enrique. “Even brief appearances from Gonçalo are valuable time.” It may be time for the bench specialist to play a leading part.

Domestic Competition Outcomes

• Rennes 4-1 Strasbourg
• Lens 3-0 Lorient
• Lille 1-0 Angers
• Nantes 0-2 Metz
• Toulouse 0-0 Le Havre
• Brest 0-0 Lyon
• PSG 1-0 Nice
• Monaco 0-1 Paris FC
• Auxerre 0-1 Marseille

League Standings

Position	Team	Played	Goal Difference	Points
1	PSG	11	12	24
2	Marseille	11	14	22
3	Lens	11	7	22
4	Lille	11	10	20
5	Monaco	11	6	20
6	Lyon	11	4	20
7	Strasbourg	11	6	19
8	Nice	11	0	17
9	Toulouse	11	2	15
10	Rennes	11	1	15
11