Le Havre’s reception at the Parc des Princes falls into a delicate schedule: just after the international break, and especially four days before a Champions League clash against Tottenham. Luis Enrique had warned that he would adapt his choices to the physical load of his internationals, and the announcement of the starting eleven was expected, as the issue at the moment rests on the management of the forces. The Spanish technician had to decide between continuity and strategic rotation.
Luis Enrique’s strong choices
The verdict confirms the trend: Luis Enrique surprised by voluntarily doing without several usual starters. If Ousmane Dembélé was already out, the Parisian coach also gave Pacho, Kvaratskhelia and even Marquinhos a breather, despite this being a symbolic match of his 500th in the Parisian jersey. An assumed turnover, designed to preserve the balance of the squad before the C1. Result: a deeply overhauled eleven, but coherent in the idea of maintaining freshness without sacrificing the level of play.
In front of Lucas Chevalier, the defense is completely remodeled: Zaire-Emery starts at right back, Zabarnyi and Beraldo form the hinge, while Lucas Hernandez occupies the left flank. An unprecedented quartet, but which illustrates the confidence of the staff in the versatility and reliability of young Parisians. In the middle, Vitinha, promoted to captain for the evening, is accompanied by João Neves and Senny Mayulu, a choice which makes it possible to spare Fabian Ruiz, who was recently called upon again with Spain.
Barcola, Ramos and Lee to dynamite the corridors
Up front, Enrique favored a young and dynamic trio. Bradley Barcola finds a starting place after starting on the bench in Lyon. Kang-in Lee replaces Kvaratskhelia on the left wing, while Gonçalo Ramos occupies the center, an opportunity to score points in a sector still in constant rotation. An offensive choice which is part of the desire to impose the pace from the start, while preserving the frames for Wednesday.
This largely revised eleven reflects Luis Enrique’s philosophy: managing the highlights, empowering young people and anticipating major events without giving up a clear playing identity. PSG knows that the reception of Le Havre must be a match of continuity, but also of management. If the surprise mainly concerns voluntary absences, the idea is clear: preserve the strengths for Tottenham, while offering players in full progress an opportunity to assume the starting role.
PSG’s eleven against Le Havre: Chevalier – Zaire-Emery, Zabarnyi, Beraldo, Hernandez – Neves, Vitinha (cap.), Mayulu – Lee, Ramos, Barcola.
