It is a difficult choice which advances on the road of Thomas Tuchel. The German technician from PSG is preparing to renew his 4-3-3 against Bayern Munich on Sunday in the Champions League final. Mauro Icardi, out of form and overwhelmed by the events in the quarter-finals against Bergamo, should not, in all likelihood, find his partners at kick-off.
He did not even come into play against Leipzig, "doubled" at the time of coaching by Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting then Pablo Sarabia. In this device, Neymar remains in a central role of number 10 and false 9 which he adores, with the game in front of him. To Kylian Mbappé and Angel Di Maria to extend the German formation on the width while finding spaces in the back of the defense a heavy hair of Munich.
If nothing should move in front or behind (Kehrer, Thiago Silva, Kimpembe, Bernat) - it seems that a last question agitates Tuchel's mind. It concerns Marco Verratti, first entry Tuesday against RB. The Italian is back in shape after his right calf injury and again applies for a place in the starting XI. But to replace who? This season, “Little Owl” has been moved to the left to roam the area of Kylian Mbappé, often installed on that side. Right in the middle, Ander Herrera gives full satisfaction to the coach, who knows him precious at 31 years old in this kind of meeting where you have to keep your calm and your nerves. If Verratti were to enter, it would therefore be in place of Leandro Paredes.
But the Argentine comes out of a convincing performance against Leipzig. His impact and vice is helping the team considerably as Neymar feels more secure with him behind. In the final of the Coupe de France, on July 24 against Saint-Etienne, Tuchel surprised by choosing Paredes rather than Verratti, justifying his choice by the very good performance of the Argentinian… four and a half months earlier against Dortmund in 8th final second leg of the Champions League.
The staff should decide on Sunday for Navas
This logic could still prevail on Sunday, especially since Verratti lacks rhythm and played only seven minutes in front of Leipzig. He says he is ready but it is a Champions League final, facing a powerful opponent who puts intensity in the duels.
Last concern for Tuchel: align Keylor Navas probably at 90% of his means or choose to extend the adventure with Sergio Rico, irreproachable during his rare interventions in the semi-final? The staff should wait until the day of the final to decide definitively even if in his mind, it is Navas who will start against Bayern.