They are located much lower than the expected positions.
Success in European competition is the only measure of Enrique’s project
In the case of Paris Saint-Germain, you shouldn’t even pay attention to the results in the French Championship. Winning Ligue 1 for any Parisian coach is a minimal task. The same goes for Luis Enrique. This summer, the Spanish coach lost his main scorer, leader and face of the project, Kylian Mbappe – and the club didn’t even make any money on his transfer. But it was partly beneficial: the salary system in the team was leveled, there was no more authority and a stronger center of gravity than the coach.
In Ligue 1, everything is on duty, PSG – first by a margin. But in the Champions League, the team is dangerously close to failure. In six days, the Parisians have only scored seven points and remain outside the playoff zone. The team lost in key matches – 0:2 Arsenal, 1:2 Atletico, 0:1 Bayern. Only the victories over Salzburg and Girona simplify the situation – but the failures with PSV (1:1) can still come back to haunt you.
We have a new star – but it risks harming the club
One of the biggest transfers of the winter is Paris Saint-Germain. The club grabbed the main star of Naples at the time, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The winger won the league title in his first season and became one of the Neapolitans’ main attacking options, then confirmed his status. The Parisians gave the player the opportunity to take a step forward. Despite a weaker championship, PSG has clearer perspectives in Champions Leaguethan Naples. In addition, the club is more stable and ready to offer more favorable conditions.
And yet the Parisians are taking big risks. There was no urgent need for a winger. Barcola is already very good on the left flank, and on the right there are the best players Dembele and Lee, Asensio could come out. If there is a position that requires distinct strengthening, that is the advantage. Ramush and Kolo-Muani are playing toothless so far. Signing Khvicha is a headache for Enrique. Louis will have to think about how to distribute all the strongest players into positions.
Past the turbulence zone
The end of 2024 was a real nightmare for “citizens”. In 14 matches in all competitions, City have only won twice. This can be explained by injuries, the aging of the leaders and the calendar – while the defeats of Sporting, the problematic Tottenham, the draws with Feyenoord, Palace and Everton cannot be explained by anything.
Against this backdrop, Man City fell out of the top five in the Premier League and found themselves in 22nd place in the Champions League standings (still in the playoff zone – but very close to the border). Fortunately for City, the disastrous period continued in 2024 – 2025 began with four wins in five matches, including two defeats (6-0 with Ipswich and 8-0 with Salford City). It’s still better than nothing.
Duel with PSG – “City” status indicator
One of the main events of January for City will be the match against PSG. A confident streak at the start of the month is of course good. The team has been plagued by defeats, now there is at least some reason for optimism. Only during this period the “townspeople” did not encounter opponents of their level. They crushed the foreigners nuclear submarine and an amateur club.
To be able to say that the bad streak is over, you have to beat another top club. Tomorrow such an opportunity will present itself during the match with PSGfollowed by a home match against Chelsea.
Guardiola’s toughest test
This is perhaps the most serious test of Pep’s career. The Spanish manager has not yet seen how the system he built and brought to automation collapses before his eyes. And it was clear how painfully Guardiola had experienced these moments. The specialist scratched his forehead, he was reported to have problems with digestion, sleep, skin and psychological health amid the team’s decline. There were also insiders that Pep stopped answering calls, turned off his phone and started locking himself in the office.
City management trusts the coach who led the club to the greatest achievements in its history. But it seems that the Spaniard himself is not sure if he can fulfill his contract. Ultimately, the specialist divorced his wife, with whom he had been in a relationship for 30 years.
We trust Pep – otherwise there would be no transfers
And yet, the club does not intend to think about a reshuffle of the coach. Bosses constantly show signs of trust in a specialist. As the losing streak reached five matches, the Sky Blues announced a contract extension with Pep until 2027.
Later, insiders began to believe that the “townies” were ready to launch a big transfer campaign to support their mentor. In January, Guardiola has already recruited defender Khusanov, the young center half of Reis, and is preparing the transfer of striker Marmush. This is the best sign of confidence that can come from management.
Clash of the young giants
Long lasting PSG and Man City were considered clubs of equal quality. New big clubs without history, which received their status thanks to the money of the sheikhs. Only “citizens” is a more global and more accomplished project. Furthermore, City finally took Champions Leagueand Parisians continue to suffer.
And in personal meetings, Man City has the advantage. The British have won four times in seven matches, including two semi-finals Champions League-20/21. The Parisians’ only victory dates back to September 29, 2021.
Forecast Soccer.ru: this time PSG looks better than Man City and can achieve a second victory in the history of the confrontation. On the other hand, the “citizens” have experienced the hell of the toughest English calendar – they have also played with the best clubs. The Parisians this season Champions League Potential competitors have never been beaten. Let’s bet on City winning: it’s time to get out of the recession.
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