The fallout from Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League loss to Arsenal on Tuesday night at Emirates Stadium has many pundits questioning the club’s direction.
On Monday, Paris Saint-Germain made a big decision ahead of their match against the Premier League side. Manager Luis Enrique left Ousmane Dembélé out of the squad for the trip to North London.
Enrique’s decision was a blow to PSG’s attack, especially considering Dembélé’s impressive form this season. The 27-year-old has contributed four goals and four assists in seven matches across all competitions, so his absence was felt.
Over the past two years, the Parisians have said goodbye to the superstar era with Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Kylian Mbappé. Rather than replace these players with other standouts who have that “superstar” label, the Ligue 1 side are pursuing young talent scratching their potential.
Nonetheless, will that strategy win them the Champions League? Former PSG player Édouard Cissé believes that the loss to Arsenal spotlighted the issues regarding the Parisians’ project under manager Luis Enrique.
“Where are we with the project? What’s the goal here? Is it to win the French championship and compete in the Champions League? There’s definitely more to strive for…,” Cissé said (h/t Sport.fr). “I don’t see them reaching the final four either. I’d love to talk to the PSG management and get a clearer picture of their plans. If the coach says he’s not focused on winning titles and really wants to build a team, then I’m on board with that.
“What I saw on Tuesday was promising. It’s serious; there are a lot of young players, and it’s a team that’s developing. Until Tuesday night, I thought PSG’s project was all about being in the top eight and going for the Champions League. Maybe things have shifted since then.”
