There are some defeats that are more worrying than others. In many respects, that of PSG yesterday against Monaco (2-1) on the occasion of its reunion with the Parc des Princes is nothing to worry too much about. During a big half, the double European champion mastered his subject against the current leader of Ligue 1. His level of play is improving compared to his first four outings of the season and his defeat yesterday is not really deserved from a statistical point of view. 20 chances at 4, 23 shots at 4, including 10 on target at 2… Above all, it took a great Hradecky in goal and maximum offensive success for ASM to win.
“I am happy with what I saw, assured Luis Enrique after the meetinga little frustrated all the same by the turn of events. It’s clear that it’s the start of the season and we’re not at our level. I saw a lot of positive things, for me today, we deserve the victory. But that’s how football is, it’s a wonderful sport but sometimes inexplicable and you have to accept it.» There is still one thing to highlight. If the princely club pulled off a very nice move, it is thanks to a better balance of its collective in the second half, but also a drop in Parisian intensity, due in part to a later recovery than the other teams.
Dembélé back from rest, the hinge worried
The physical problems of the capital’s players are known. There was the case of Ousmane Dembélé, who benefited from a week of rest after the first match in Rennes where he came out during the break. Yesterday, the Ballon d’Or was expected to start. He was finally a substitute. These few days away from the Campus have obviously been beneficial to him. His entry in the 69th minute in place of Akliouche was very good. A decisive passer for Torres but flagged offside, the striker almost equalized on his two chances during added time. Some of his teammates also seem to be struggling physically, as if the preparation was weighing on their legs.
We are talking here about players who participated in the World Cup and are undoubtedly still a little tired, despite a longer break than in the summer of 2025. This is the observation that emerges internally at the club, according to The Team. The daily notably mentions the cases of Pacho and Marquinhos, who slowed down in the second half, becoming too unreactive to the mobility of the Monegasque attackers. Fatigue has taken over, while Illya Zabarnyi waits on the bench, having not played in the World Cup. The midfield trio is also singled out for their less intensive, more laborious races. Obviously, the whole team is less compact.
The Digne case doesn’t help anything
She finds herself more exposed defensively, in addition to having to integrate new recruits (Akliouche, Godts, Torres, Digne). The case of the left side is precisely something to be tense about. More than a physical deficit, he is criticized for a lack of investment, as if he too easily accepted his role as Nuno Mendes’ understudy. “He needs to wake up. That he came by accepting this role of number 2, okay, but he is not on vacation or in early retirement», Warns a source within the club. Result, it is Warren Zaire-Emery who helps out on the left side when the Portuguese is not there, even passing in front of Lucas Hernandez. Wednesday is already the return of the C1 with the reception of Slovan Brastislava.
