After a successful first appearance at PSG-OM (0-1), Alessandro Florenzi will play this Sunday, September 20 in Nice (1 p.m.) his second match at the right-back position with Paris Saint-Germain.
Former AS Roma player (1997-2005), the Frenchman Vincent Candela, the defender who was world champion in 1998, still lives in the Italian capital.
He is therefore well placed to tell the story of the new Parisian, on loan from the Roman club.
What is your take on Alessandro Florenzi?
VINCENT CANDELA.
I followed him, I know him well.
I know what he can do, what his little flaws are.
He is a player whose departure from Rome I regret, where he was adored.
He had a little problem with the coach
(Editor's note: Paulo Fonseca)
.
That's why they let him go.
I think it's a shame to have lost a player like that.
Thomas Tuchel wanted it, so that's great.
But I didn't expect Rome to let him go.
Afterwards, I understand that for him… Paris is the team that always wins the championship, finds itself in the final of the Champions League… But it's a shame for us.
Is this a good recruitment?
I think Paris made a good deal.
He's a good right-back.
There are many who say he is a midfielder.
He has played in front sometimes, yes, he has a sense of goal.
I think technically he's very, very comfortable.
Afterwards, the problem he may have in France is on the physical aspect, compared to the very strong strikers in Ligue 1. It is sure that he is quite small
(Editor's note: 1.73 m),
and not necessarily very fast.
But since PSG dominate and attack nineteen out of twenty teams, it will make the difference.
Afterwards, for increasingly tough matches, it can be more difficult.
But hey, when you play against Manchester City, Barcelona or Bayern, it gets harder for everyone.
Will Paris be better armed with him than with Thomas Meunier or Thilo Kehrer?
It depends on the relationship with the coach, with the supporters… Because there are great players or normal players who succeed in Milan and not in Rome, and vice versa.
It is also not easy to criticize those who have made a good league and made it to the Champions League final.
But I think Alessandro has the experience, the Italian side and this vice that can do good in Paris.
Against Marseille, his ability to succeed in his crosses marked the spirits ...
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Afterwards, Paris is a team with so many phenomena that there are a lot of people to succeed in one-two or to launch Mbappé in depth.
Its contribution is not limited to the centers.
Paris needs someone who has experience, who has played in the Champions League with Rome, who has been in the Italian selection.
He can also bring his professionalism.
He's someone who always trains hard.
Did he come back well after his two serious left knee injuries in 2016 and 2017?
Yes !
It is never easy, but with the new technology and especially the mental side ... He is a very professional person and therefore he immediately returned to his level.
