Paris Saint-Germain observers and supporters can attest to this. Since the arrival of Luis Enrique in the French capital, surprises have been commonplace as the Parisian club unveils its starting lineup. This Wednesday evening, for the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League played and finally won (2-0) against Real Sociedad, the former FC Barcelona technician once again surprised everyone. Expected in the left lane of the Parisian defense, Lucas Hernandez, author of a very good start to the season, took his place on the Ile-de-France bench. The Rouge et Bleu technician opting for the surprising choice, Lucas Beraldo. A confusing decision and widely commented on throughout the meeting. It must also be said that the 20-year-old Brazilian did not really agree with his coach.
Arriving this winter from Sao Paulo, PSG number 35 certainly did not make any big mistakes but the fragility seen during his first outings with the Parisian team was unfortunately confirmed against the Basques. In great pain against Takefusa Kubo, the neo-Parisian, not necessarily comfortable in this role of full-back, was often overwhelmed defensively. Recruited this winter for 20 million euros, he then showed off all his difficulties. Technically brittle (18 lost balls), regularly overwhelmed by the liveliness and pressing of Txuri-urdinak, he also participated little in his team’s offensive play, leaving Bradley Barcola weaned from balls for a long time. Embarked on a collective that was amorphous to say the least during the first act, the 20-year-old player, credited with a 2.5 by the FM editorial staff, generally suffered for this European baptism.
Luis Enrique assumes “a sporting choice” !
Logically questioned about this choice at the final whistle, Luis Enrique nevertheless fully accepted his decision, ensuring in passing that the former Bayern Munich defender – at one time announced to have suffered a muscular injury in the thigh – was 100% physically. “No, there was no physical problem. Why are you journalists? Because you ask questions. I am a coach because I make choices. I put the 11 that I considered best to start the match. If I had to do it again, I would probably choose the same eleven players., launched, as such, the Spanish technician at a press conference. A clear-cut exit which should not, however, convince his audience, especially in view of the solid entry into play made by the 2018 world champion, who was under the threat of suspension in the event of a yellow card.
Successor to Danilo Pereira, established in central defense alongside Marquinhos, Hernandez has indeed confirmed all his skills in this left-back role. Never surpassed, the Parisian number 21 (3 duels won out of 3 contested, 2 balls recovered) thus brought greater serenity in this register, while Lucas Beraldo was repositioned in the central Parisian hinge. Let us point out, with this in mind, that the young Auriverde was much more convincing once placed at the heart of the Rouge et Bleu’s defense. Despite everything, this failed bet raises a major question: how did Lucas Hernandez, who has still not received an explanation from his coach, experience this surprising downgrade? If Luis Enrique’s future choices for this position will logically be closely scrutinized, it remains to be seen whether the Parisian technician will repeat the experience, on March 5, at Anoeta in San Sebastian…
