Thomas Tuchel's PSG often changes face during major meetings. In the last three of the Champions League, he has organized his team in three different patterns. In 3-4-3 in Dortmund (defeat, 2-1), in 4-4-2 on the return (success, 2-0) and in 4-3-1-2 (or 4-4-2) against Atalanta Bergamo (2-1).
And against RB Leipzig on Tuesday? It is first by knowing how the opposing coach wants to dispose of his training that the eleven will establish itself. The German club, which qualified against Atlético, starts in 3-4-3 (or 3-4-2-1), with a reinforced playing heart. Tuchel might have to adapt to this situation by opting for the same organization. It would also have the merit of keeping Mauro Icardi on the bench as a joker while the Argentinian seems out of the game physically to play a semi-final of C1. He slows down the game, defends little and realism shuns it like catastrophic preparation matches.
In an evolving 3-4-3, Marquinhos could alternately come to strengthen the central defense and control Marcel Sabitzer in the middle, the greatest danger for Leipzig since the departure for Chelsea from striker Timo Werner. Tuchel can also keep Bergamo's system, replacing Sarabia and Icardi with Mbappé and Di Maria, back from suspension. Or go back to his classic four-way attack with all the stars, Neymar, Mbappé, Di Maria and Icardi. In the middle, there would be a three-way match between Paredes, Gueye and Herrera to accompany Marquinhos.
An open match with two teams who love possession
“This will be one of the interesting things in the Nagelsmann-Tuchel duel: who will succeed in setting their pace? asks Patrick Guillou, the consultant of BeIN Sports specializing in the Bundesliga. Leipzig is aware of its football and wants to impose it. This is one of the novelties of this season with the arrival of Nagelsmann. Against Bayern Munich, he did not deviate from his philosophy and obtained two draws in the league. There is confidence, dynamism, dashing players. "
The match should therefore be open, with two teams who like possession, project themselves in front and better offensively than defensively. “Leipzig is able to change systems several times per game,” notes Guillou. The players are always on the move and help is always given to the ball carrier. "
By strengthening its environment with Paredes, Gueye and Marquinhos intermittently, Paris can consider foiling the plans of this surprise team. He would start in 3-4-3 with Kehrer, Paredes, Gueye and Bernat in the middle, or in 4-4-2 with Neymar in number 10, very free, in charge of supporting the Mbappé-Icardi duo.