Few European teams have less hype surrounding them than PSG this season.
The Ligue 1 giants finished second in the league this past season and saw how AS Monaco clinched the title. But they were determined to avoid that scenario for a second straight year. And they went ahead to improve the roster in the transfer market with the arrival of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Dani Alves, among others.
They went from being a talented squad to a European powerhouse in a matter of months. But is that going to be enough for them to win the European treble this season? They are favorites on the Ligue 1 and the French Cup, while also looking as contenders in the UEFA Champions League.
PSG Should Cruise On Domestic League And Cups
Let’s start with the Ligue 1. And the short answer is yes. They already look like the best team in the league, although Monaco are a close second. Lyon and Olympique Marseille could complicate them as well, but that’s a stretch. PSG have the better squad, and they should not have problems to cruise their way in the league.
Same goes with the French Cup. Although it is quite likely that Unai Emery will rotate the side heavily in both the Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue, it would be shocking if PSG do not reach the latter stages on those tournaments. Especially because PSG are likely to face minor teams from lower divisions. And if we take a look at PSG’s current roster, they have enough attacking players to form two world-class offenses. That alone should be enough in those tournaments.
What Happens With The UEFA Champions League?
But if we take a look at the UEFA Champions League, that’s when things get tougher. While there is no question they are contenders on the European stage, it would be a stretch to call them the main favorites to win the title. Let’s remember they would have to compete with teams such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and others for the title.
And as we mentioned above, PSG might have depth on the attack, but they are lacking it in other areas of the field. For instance, they only have three natural center-backs on the roster: Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, and Pascal Kimpembe. What would happen if, let’s say, one is injured and another is suspended for a UCL match on the knockout stages? That’s not a scenario PSG want to live.
The same goes for the central midfield role. There’s a SUBSTANTIAL drop-off in quality if we compare Adrien Rabiot, Marco Verratti and Thiago Motta with the rest of the available options. And it might be a concern to see that Edinson Cavani is the only real striker on the squad. Mbappe and Neymar can play that role, but they are better suited to play as second forwards in a free role.
Contenders, But…
Look, PSG definitively are a contender. The team has enough talent to make a deep run in both Europe and the domestic level. But at some point, their lack of depth will give them trouble. So while they should cruise their way rather easily on the domestic front, it might be a stretch to see them winning the Champions League as well.
Perhaps they can win the treble next season if they add some complementary pieces to their squad. But right now, they might not have enough depth to make it happen.