It will therefore take a little memory or a bit of patience in Paris to rediscover the emotions of the most exciting of dates. PSG's dreams of inviting themselves to a second consecutive Champions League final froze Tuesday night under the hail of Manchester, before vanishing in a cloud of bitterness and unfinished business. City were arguably not the most spectacular of rivals, the one whose CV, devoid of any appearance in the final of the event, was the most brilliant. But Paris has undoubtedly come up against a more homogeneous, more efficient, better organized and less nervous collective. In short, better than him.
Eliminated at the gates of the final, has the capital club, however, missed its European campaign? “Especially not, ensures the former Italian international Federico Balzaretti who has followed the entire course of PSG for RMC Sports. Reaching the last four in the Champions League for the second time in a row shows that Paris is first of all in continuity in terms of results. But above all, it shows a very clear progression compared to previous years. "
This famous glass ceiling which for a long time prevented the Paris of QSI from taking the quarters or from passing the 8th of the test seems to have definitely shattered at the mercy of the demonstrations of force delivered against the big arms of the continent. To recover from a catastrophic start to the campaign by going to win at Old Trafford in front of United (1-3), to subjugate Europe by strolling at Camp Nou (1-4) in 8th or to afford the scalp of Bayern Munich, reigning European champion, in quarter, have, a year after a campaign considered more accessible, undoubtedly allowed Paris to finally change status.
“For me, PSG is now part of what is called the European elite, continues Balzaretti who will officiate in the final on May 29.
Until now, it lacked some legitimacy.
But this team now has the profile to claim the last four every year as it seemed to me stronger than in the past from a collective point of view.
Paris is clearly in a positive dynamic.
The basis is good, he just needs to take a step forward in his way of managing his weak moments.
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"We will probably also have to improve the team"
Brilliant when he had to unite to rise up in the face of the suspicions of racism that plagued the meeting against Basaksehir, impressive solidarity in his way of facing the Bavarian waves in Munich, the Parisian collective is however not yet at the level of its competitors neither in the regularity, nor in the management of its emotions.
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"The two red cards taken against City still reflect a lack of maturity and prejudicial nervousness," continues the Italian. City, for example, were tough but stayed clean. You have to find the right balance to keep a warrior spirit without risking letting go of the team. It is on these kinds of details that Paris must progress. We will probably also have to improve the team. But if some think that this elimination is a disaster for me, it is not if Paris knows how to learn the lessons to improve. City learned from his career, the goals he took last year against Lyon, he no longer takes them. Manchester is not spectacular today, but it is solid. “It is especially in the final of the Champions League. In Paris to be inspired by it to make an appointment next year, if all goes well.
