- PSG were slammed by L’Equipe following defeat by Bayern Munich on Tuesday
- The French champions have won just one of their opening five games in Europe
- Liverpool correspondent LEWIS STEELE tells all on bombshell chat with Mo Salah – LISTEN NOW to It’s All Kicking Off! New episodes every Monday and Thursday
PSG were slammed by French outlet L’Equipe in their post-match player ratings after Luis Enrique’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
In their first season since talisman Kylian Mbappe‘s departure, Les Parisiens have embarked on an undefeated start in the league and currently sit six points clear of nearest challengers Monaco at the top of the table.
However, whilst the club have been at their all-conquering best domestically, performances in the revamped Champions League have left a lot to be desired.
After defeating new boys Girona in their opening fixture, PSG headed into Tuesday’s clash without another victory following defeats to Arsenal and Atletico Madrid sandwiched between a draw with PSV.
At the Allianz Arena Vincent Kompany‘s side emerged victorious courtesy of a goal from an unlikely scorer in Kim Min-Jae, with the defender’s header breaking the deadlock in the first half.
The visitors’ evening went from bad to worse as Ousmane Dembele was sent off after the interval, leading to L’Equipe handing the Frenchman a rating of just 2/10.
PSG’s performance in their defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday has been slammed by L’Equipe
Kim Min-Jae’s first-half header condemned Les Parisiens to their third European defeat of the season
But even in victory Vincent Kompany’s side were not exempt from criticism from the French outlet
Dembele wasn’t the only player to find himself in the firing line though, as Bradley Barcola, Joao Neves, Warren Zaire-Emery and goalkeeper Matvei Safonov were all given threes for a team average of just 3.7/10.
Despite taking home the all important three points some Bayern players were not immune from criticism, with Harry Kane handed a four after an unusually quiet showing given his recent form in front of goal.
In fact, the only player to receive a rating above six out of ten was goalscorer Kim who was given a seven.
But it wasn’t just the ratings in which L’Equipe made their feelings about the current state of PSG as a continental force in club football clear.
The publication lambasted the side’s current crop of talent, calling the once star-studded side a ‘former ambitious team’.
The outlet added that PSG should have ‘pursued a sport policy offering it as many talents as previous seasons’ – suggesting their current squad aren’t up to standard.
PSG now have three games remaining as they look to work their way back up the table to earn a place in the knockout stage.
Should they be unable to do so it would mark the first time since 2011-12 that the club have failed to progress beyond the Champions League group stage.
Only PSG captain Marquinhos was able to escape the worst of publication’s scathing ratings
Harry Kane struggled to make a meaningful impact and was harshly graded for his performance
But the strongest criticism was reserved for Ousmane Dembele who was given just a 2/10
The French forward was sent off as his side chased an equaliser following the half-time interval
Speaking after the match head coach Enrique said: ‘In the first half, we weren’t far behind, but we couldn’t contain their pressure. We couldn’t win the ball back in the opposing half.
‘After the break, we had reason to hope by creating danger until the hour mark, then the sending off (of Dembélé) was a serious mistake. Nevertheless, we stayed in the game until the end. In the end, Bayern deserved their victory.
‘Being coach of PSG is a great privilege. The demands I place on myself are above external pressure. My goal is to win as many titles as possible this season. In any case, I repeat myself, but all the information I glean is very useful for the future.
Asked if he feels confident that PSG can progress to the knockout stage, Enrique added: ‘I was talking about the future in general. Everything I see in this project is interesting. I am responsible for the good and bad decisions
‘Rather than the three defeats, I prefer to talk about the three games we have left to play, three finals. We have conceded too many points at home against teams who have played less well than us.’
