Since the match in Dortmund, this 2-1 defeat in the first knockout round of the Champions League, the life of PSG is shaken by extra-sporting events that blur the image of the club and tarnish its reputation. How can we put the whole in working order two weeks from the return match? Four experts from different backgrounds agreed to explain which levers Thomas Tuchel and the managers can operate.
"Put players before their responsibilities"
Daniel Costantini, former coach of the French handball team
“It's not the best situation, but once the equation consists of winning 1-0, it's still far from impossible. But this club has gotten us so used to mood swings that we can expect everything from them. I have respect for Thomas Tuchel, I find him thoughtful in his behavior and I understand his reactions. But it must above all put everyone before their responsibilities and in particular their players.
We sometimes bear to see a Neymar at several speeds but if we consider him, and I am one of them, as one of the best players in the world, he must justify it from time to time. The same goes for Kylian Mbappé, who is also at the moment beside his pumps. Players like these have to embrace their roles. If they are a little more sober in their game and agree to make three meters to defend, the others will only have to do their job and we will see that Dortmund does not present an insoluble problem. Professional conscience and respect for their ambitions should be enough to display the necessary commitment. For me, the ball is in the players' court. "
"Working on the concept of trust"
Denis Troch, former PSG assistant coach and mental trainer
“In these moments of stress as an important event approaches, there is always excitement and fear. The latter is not toxic as long as it does not gangrene the action. The goal is not to focus on this goal of reaching the quarter-finals while the ultimate goal of PSG is to win the Champions League. This match against Dortmund must be prepared as a passage and not as an end. We must also allow ourselves the right to think that we can succeed and that the Champions League does not belong to others.
The most important is then the concept of trust. It is necessary to work on precise levers on which there is a grip: the work carried out, the objectives already achieved, the state of form of the group, the analysis of the adversary. It would be a bad shortcut to want to cut yourself off from the outside world. Unless there are external parameters that plague the system. Hitting them every day that they don't make it to the 8th finals can undermine them from the inside. We must protect ourselves from it but not deny it. The goal is to work on self-confidence, in others. To remind that the opponent is not internally but that it is the club that we will meet. "
"You need a boss"
Mourad Boudjellal, ex-president of RC Toulon
"You need a boss. If I had been Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, this week I would have been at the club. The whole week. Players shouldn't feel like being president is just one activity among many. I'll give you an example similar to rugby: in Montpellier, even if Altrad is present, we know very well that it has activities nearby which mean that it can only be there one afternoon a week. And it doesn't work. In Racing, where Lorenzetti is much more present, it works.
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In fact, Nasser's main job, unlike an Aulas in Lyon which must create wealth, is to get into the nails of financial fair play and to convince the emir to spin the cash. It is not really the same. So you need a boss yes. A guy who is there every day. However, according to my echoes, Nasser is not there all the time. He does many things. As for Leonardo, he is not a boss since he has a boss! If the emir of Qatar were there every day it would be different. "
"It can only come from players"
Mickaël Madar, ex-attacker of PSG (1999-2001) and French international (3 selections)
"I experienced such a period but when the results did not follow, that you are not far from relegation for example. In the case of PSG, there is a return match and you are not yet eliminated! It's a pretty incredible case of winning everything and seeing a locker room that goes into a spin at the first defeat. Can they use the same springs as in our time? I do not know.
We ate, we drank and we could tell ourselves certain truths. We see that they have celebrated a birthday (note: that of Cavani, Icardi, Di Maria), they eat together (note: Monday). This may be a solution: try to find yourself, let go of what is on your heart and not settle in an unhealthy atmosphere where everyone finds excuses. Do not mix the staff, the club. It can only come from players. I don't believe in the trick of the coach who mobilizes his troops after a fan or a big speech. "