Mauro Icardi at Paris Saint-Germain? A master stroke signed Leonardo, in the last hours of the summer transfer window. In conflict with the management of Inter Milan, the Argentinian international striker (8 sel., 1 goal) was almost pushed out of San Siro ... The good deal for "Leo", who concluded a paid loan with option of 'purchase. Operation which could cost, in total, 70 M € to the club of the capital. At least if Paris decides to exercise the purchase option. And if Icardi decides to stay. And with the shattering debut of the interested party in the red and blue tunic, 17 goals in 19 matches, diabolical efficiency and a sharp tactical sense, it quickly seemed obvious that PSG would do everything to convince him to stay… as much as Edinson Cavani, free at the end of the season, has just celebrated his 33 years. A triple birthday party that caused a stir, with those of Icardi (27) and Angel Di Maria (32). "The option exists, we have time," said Leonardo, during the last transfer window.
Two goals in the last nine games
But a season is not a long, calm river. Neither for Icardi, nor for anyone else. And the former Inter star, like a fish in the water in the 4-4-2 installed at the end of the year by Thomas Tuchel, although he was ultimately more efficient in the 4-3-3, experienced a serious setback. Only two goals in his last nine outings. One of which will be described as happy, a shot by Angel Di Maria diverted to Nantes (2-1 victory), the second to Amiens (4-4), last game of PSG before going to Dortmund.
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However, this did not mean that coach Tuchel remained faithful to his 4-4-2 at Signal Iduna Park. Not for as much that it will have aligned Icardi of entry. In fact, the German technician did not even bring in his Argentine striker during the defeat against the BVB (2-1). No more than Cavani for that matter. Only Pablo Sarabia got off the bench. The reason for this standstill? It is not only related to the state of form of Icardi. Above all, Tuchel did not intend to leave at the end of the collision, risking leaving the Ruhr with more than a goal difference. Besides, the 2-2 was not so far away ... Regarding the starting eleven, there too, it is not primarily against Icardi.
Like what ex-Parisian Alain Roche noted Tuesday evening, on Canal + , the former Dortmund coach "made his team according to the degrees (of form) of some players. I really think it's (a composition) by default. ” In this case, the state of form of Neymar, Thiago Silva or Marquinhos. And that's exactly what Thomas Tuchel explained, on RMC , before the game: “It might not have been the time to try (to start with four in front). It's possible to play in 4-4-2, but if you want to do it, you have to be in the best possible condition in terms of physical capacity because it is very intensive. Now was not the time to try and go all-in. ”
"He may be thinking a little too much"
Thomas tuchelAnd on March 11, in the return match? Perhaps. In any case, it will be necessary to win, and to score goals. At least two. And if coach Tuchel imagines a dominating PSG, he may well need the threat that number 18 represents in the zone of truth. Still it would be necessary that the Argentinian becomes indispensable again in his eyes. "He may be thinking a little too much, analyzed the 46-year-old technician a few weeks ago, declaring himself" a little worried ". He wants to do things that are clear and safe. At first, when he scored a lot, he didn't think. He only did things. He was lucky too, for example in Brest. " How to regain confidence according to Professor Tuchel? "By playing, and by scoring". Otherwise there are other options. Edinson Cavani obviously, he who is in search of his 200th goal at Paris Saint-Germain, but also Pablo Sarabia, whom Tuchel likes to see "close to the opposing surface to always have the possibility of doing aggressive races and having the last touch" . We also saw the Spanish international in this role, associated with Kylian Mbappé during a large success against Montpellier (5-0) in early February.
Wanda Nara leaves the door open to all options
One thing is certain: Tuchel's choices could have a big impact on the future of Icardi. Even if it is rumored here and there that the German coach might not live a third season on the Parisian bench. Here Mac Allegri, there Simone Inzaghi, or Mauricio Pochettino: rumors are rife. Wife and agent of the native of Rosario, Wanda Nara, she leaves the door open to all options. “With football, you never know. Mauro will choose and we will follow him, ”she said for the weekly Oggi . In any case, the courtiers will not fail, it is a certainty. Tuttosport recently mentioned an interest in Real Madrid. And… OL is thinking about it too. "If he wants to play every week, he must come to Lyon," promises Jean-Michel Aulas, also in the pages of the Turin daily. No doubt that to choose, Mauro Icardi would prefer to "play every week" with PSG. It's up to him to convince. Starting with this Sunday (9 p.m.), against Bordeaux, if his coach calls on him.
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