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PSG, a robbery to continue dreaming

2020-11-26T16:03:35.572Z


Failing to shine, PSG remains alive in the Champions League after its success over Leipzig. Sufficient?


Without violence or hatred, PSG held up Leipzig on Tuesday evening (1-0), at the Parc des Princes.

Except that unlike Spaggiari and company in Nice, in 1976, the plan was not particularly well oiled, and the success of this heist owes a lot to luck.

"Dominated" by a German team which "would have deserved to leave with a point of draw", says Julian Nagelsmann, the club of the capital owes its salvation only to a whistle for the less generous of the referee and to the awkwardness of the opposing attackers.

Only two shots on target: Neymar's penalty in the 11th minute and a shot from the incoming Rafinha… in stoppage time. “We were unlucky in Leipzig.

Today we had a little, notes Thomas Tuchel, remembering that his players had not been varnished three weeks ago (2-1 defeat).

We played and defended with a big heart, we gave everything, we played with a lot of solidarity.

And we won.

I'm not going to apologize for that. "

»

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There is indeed nothing to apologize for.

Not something to be particularly proud of either ... Besides, if he was not in the mood to hear criticism on the level of play of his team Tuesday night, in front of the media, Tuchel is not blind, and of course he saw that “his” PSG suffered against the Red Bulls.

"I have the same opinion", he admitted to the microphone of

RMC

, about the quality of play proposed by the champions of France, curled up on their goal (37.2% of possession) and unable to get out of the pressure German (75.7% of successful passes).

Among the good marks, we will remember the match of Marquinhos boss, the awakening of Abdou Diallo ("He played without great error, without decisive error, and it was a big step forward", dixit Tuchel), Keylor Navas still there and the impact of newcomers, Marco Verratti in the lead. 

"We may not have shone, but we took three very important points for the future"

Marquinhos

Although, the important thing was elsewhere: Paris also and above all won.

This is THE positive point of the evening.

It was vital.

"We may not have shone, but we took three very important points for the future", insists "Marqui".

"Today, the important thing was the three points, whatever happens," confirms Neymar.

Certainly, the Parisians, beaten in two of their first three matches in the Champions League, are not out of the woods.

But they still have their fate in their hands.

Clearly, if they will certainly qualify for the round of 16 if they win their last two matches, at Old Trafford against Man.

United next Wednesday and in two weeks, at the Parc des Princes, facing Istanbul Basaksehir.

In the group H standings, MU is in the lead with nine points, ahead of Paris, Leipzig (6 pts) and Istanbul (3 pts).

If the vice-champions of Europe are ahead of their German rivals, it is because they have the advantage in the direct confrontation for the benefit of the goal scored at the Red Bull Arena three weeks ago.

"It will be much more complicated for us and we have to win twice, hoping that Paris loses", summarizes Nagelsmann.

Only a lack of rhythm?

Still, everyone agrees on the level of the Parisian service.

The point that diverges between the outside world and the group, the staff, are the causes.

And this is an important point ... For Tuchel, who does not fail to underline "the quality" of the opponent, there is only one: "We only lack rhythm."

And don't come talk to him about excitement, lack of confidence or benchmarks.

“You can ask that question in the locker room.

If you have the balls to do it, he said Tuesday, annoyed at a press conference.

Because there are players, they are dead!

They gave everything!

All given!

Their heart, all physically.

I am tired, I am tired of always meeting your expectations… Tired… ”

"

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The Parisian coach emphasizes match after match that his group is on the knees, without preparation, with injuries to not know what to do with and little or no possibility of recovering and training.

“If you expect the best PSG under these conditions, it's your right,” he still squeaked.

A lot is expected of us too.

But in some matches, you have to know how to do what is necessary to obtain results. "

And to continue: "Maybe you think that these are always excuses, but it is the reality."

"We have seen values, this team has a soul and players who fight together"

Abdou Diallo

A priori, the players are on the same wavelength, if we believe the exit of Marquinhos at the microphone of

RMC

.

Which Marquinhos played under undercover Tuesday night.

“There are a lot of things going on that people don't necessarily know,” he said.

Some players played with pain, there are injuries, and we weren't at our best level to have an exceptional game, but the most important thing was the victory. "

Leo Paredes will go so far as to say that the Parisians, in view of the circumstances, “played the right game”.

“We did the work, we took the points and that was the main thing, notes Abdou Diallo on the PSG site.

We have seen values ​​and we must remember it.

This team has a soul, players who fight together, it must be emphasized. ”

Coué method?

Are journalists too harsh?

The future will tell.

"

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- Nagelsman: "If the VAR is useless, we must stop" 

One thing is certain: it will be necessary to show something else in terms of content to make a splash in Manchester next Wednesday.

And Paris will once again have its back to the wall at Old Trafford, from where they left victorious in 2019, in the round of 16 first leg (2-0), before the disaster of the return match (3-1 defeat).

A setback at the Theater of Dreams and RB Leipzig, which will travel to Istanbul on the fifth day, could regain control in view of the qualification.

Until then, Tuchel will keep his fingers crossed so that the infirmary does not fill up again and that those who have recently come out of it will find color and rhythm.

No question of rest, however: Saturday (9 p.m.), return to current affairs and to Ligue 1 against Bordeaux.  

Read also

  • Champions League rankings

Source: lefigaro

All sports articles on 2020-11-26

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