PSG: Paris and its mysteries at the test of Strasbourg

The season is driving us all a bit crazy.

Because to identify this PSG is an impossible mission in the heart of a period of unimaginable health crisis.

On Monday, we wonder how Paris could win against great Bayern Munich without Marco Verratti and more solid full-backs.

On Wednesday, this team, led by a goalkeeper in the hands of God and two stars with golden feet, leaves Bavaria with a glorious success, the circumstances of which we will all have forgotten (domination of Bayern, shots conceded…) in 20 years.

And here we are Saturday, for the resumption of the daily newspaper of Ligue 1, to question the real interest of a match in Strasbourg and the details which accompany it (group, composition, result…).

The championship, by the way.

Where are we in the debates?

Is a hung competition like this season's still an advantage?

Wouldn't PSG have signed to have a 10-point lead and relax for this trip to Alsace?

In the midst of all these insoluble problems, even Mauricio Pochettino seems lost: “We have to be attentive to field the team as fresh as possible, with energy, not only by thinking of the physical but also a qualitative team to defeat Strasbourg.

But we must not take any chances.

We play three competitions, we have international players who have made enormous efforts.

"

A trip to the Meinau never easy

Here is the Parisian paradox of the day: to find an eleven strong enough to continue the fight behind Lille, while taking care of the best elements.

The Argentinian staff decided this Friday.

Marquinhos (adductors), Abdou Diallo (sick), Mauro Icardi (thigh) and Layvin Kurzawa (calves) remain in Paris with Marco Verratti, Alessandro Florenzi (Covid), Juan Bernat (recovery) and Neymar (suspended).

Choices that provide part of the solution.

But what about Kylian Mbappé, Presnel Kimpembe or Keylor Navas while Pochettino qualifies the RCSA as a “very physical” team?

Here again, debates exist and the technician is exposed to criticism, both external and internal, in the event of a new problem (defeat, injuries).

Especially that a trip to La Meinau is never trivial for PSG, even against a Strasbourg 13th in Ligue 1, irregular as possible (draw in Lille, defeat at home against Lens, victory in Bordeaux) and in search of an almost assured maintenance (36 points, seven units from the 18th).

On the last two visits, Paris conceded a draw (1-1 in 2018-2019) and a setback (2-1 in 2017-2018).

Last year, the coronavirus took with it this shock expected by Alsatian fans.

This time, they will be in front of their television.

Damaging to passion: the Meinau is one of the speakers in which even the coldest weather warms up thanks to the voices of the ultras.

PSG outside and without an audience lives better than PSG at home in an empty Parc des Princes.

"I do not know why", also blows Pochettino, who prefers to wait until the end of the season to analyze the reasons for the five defeats conceded at Porte d'Auteuil, against three away from Paris.

In total, that makes eight and it is already too much for a candidate for the title.

Another setback would undoubtedly put an end to dreams of a 10th national trophy for this season.

It would even increase the danger for a direct qualification for the next Champions League.

Leaving the L1 to win the C1 would not be such a bad calculation.

But can we really plan something with this PSG?