So Thomas Meunier, converted striker/winger into RB? You really think that's where he will play? He looked very promising last night, never heard of him before
PSG | 2016-17 Performance Thread
- Thread starter Ecstatic
- Start date
He played a couple of games at RB for Belgium at the Euros due to our injuries at the back. Did better than I expected. He was the starting RB for Club Brugge but was inconsistent last season despite winning the title. He's pretty good in attack but often a little suspect at the back. He's still relatively young for a defender at 24, so he still has time to mature, which I hope he will at PSG. I'm expecting him to become a regular name for Belgium from here on, so Alderweireld can finally move to the centre on a permanent basis.
This happens a lot in Spain where attacking players & wingers are converted into fullbacks, so no surprise due to Garrido at Bruges. He has real class as an attacker, seems huge to be a RB but we'll see under Emery - I do wonder if he'll remain in defense
PSG 3-1 Real Madrid
I think he will remain in defence as a RB: he has replaced Van Der Wiel and is here to challenge Aurier.
Marca tweeting Asensio as a cantera player 
Great game from Callegari, Kimpembe, Meunier, Ikone and Aurier. Nice to see our kids playing at a high level.
@FCBarca Meunier is a RB, he only played striker in Belgian 3rd division. Emery could play him on the wing every now and then like he sometimes does with his FBs.
@FCBarca Meunier is a RB, he only played striker in Belgian 3rd division. Emery could play him on the wing every now and then like he sometimes does with his FBs.
Good game by PSG? Deserved victory? Any valuable things to take away for the future?
Unai Emery consider the academy of PSG:
- Areola & Trapp: tough battle
- Aurier & Meunier: the same but Meunier could apply for a right-winger position
- Callegari, Augustin, Ikoné, Kimpembé will have the opportunity to play this season imho
- Kurzawa will be certainly the #1 as LB
I don't like the friendlies so I haven't watched the game.
I understand
- Meunier/Callegari/Kimpembé have played a good game.
- Ben arfa & cavani are in a bad shape
@Rooney in Paris
1st half was an interesting battle, with 3-1 at the end being harsh for Real. 2nd half was boring with the secunda B kids hovering the possession with little danger created and Paris hitting on the break with the better chances. The win is deserved overall.
The teachings from such an early friendly are limited but we can already expect us to move away from Blanc's possession tactics and play a more direct, sharp and vertical style. Also some of our kids deserve chances.
1st half was an interesting battle, with 3-1 at the end being harsh for Real. 2nd half was boring with the secunda B kids hovering the possession with little danger created and Paris hitting on the break with the better chances. The win is deserved overall.
The teachings from such an early friendly are limited but we can already expect us to move away from Blanc's possession tactics and play a more direct, sharp and vertical style. Also some of our kids deserve chances.
Cool, thanks @Downcast and @BBRBB for your messages
Is the league a foregone conclusion for you guys this season, and real progress is to be measured in Europe? I always find it a bit 'harsh' on PSG, but true nonetheless, that they're expected to win everything domestically (not doing so is considered failure, doing it is just normal), and whether or not they have a good season depends on their CL exploits - which, to date, have been rather meh.
Is the league a foregone conclusion for you guys this season, and real progress is to be measured in Europe? I always find it a bit 'harsh' on PSG, but true nonetheless, that they're expected to win everything domestically (not doing so is considered failure, doing it is just normal), and whether or not they have a good season depends on their CL exploits - which, to date, have been rather meh.
I find it a bit odd that the French league is so weak, really. In theory it should be a more prosperous country for football than Spain and Italy right now.
Yes it would be a failure if we don't win the league, I can only see Lyon mounting a challenge, not sold on Monaco this year. Cups are always more random.
Of course the CL will be the real test, I think Emery will have 2 years to prove himself there.
Not a foregone conclusion
Optimistic scenario: PSG 30 points ahead of Lyon/Monaco
Base Case: PSG 20 points ahead of Lyon/Monaco
Pessimistic scenario: PSG 15 points ahead of Lyon/Monaco
So, everything is possible this season.
The idea is not necessarily to reach the SF of the Champions League but not to be ridiculous/weak at least as we did:
- against Barcelona (QF 2015)
- against City (QF 2016) 2nd leg
- against Chelsea (QF 2014): we won the 1st leg 3-1 and lost the 2nd leg 0-2
1. Football is the most popular sport in France but - contrary to a vast majority of countries - the number of 'Great enthusiast of football' is relatively low. When you see that France has only won 2 European cups in the whole history against 3 for Sevilla or 5 for Porto...
2. So, the starting point would be to keep in mind that France is not as football lover as countries like Spain or Italy. It has an impact on the attractiveness of the French Football: shirts sales, sponsoring and attendance at the stadium. You can't see the French equivalent of the Morratti family in the football business sector.
3. The quality of the French coaches: very conservative, not known for being hard-working guys or passionate of tactics
4. France produces high-quality players but the best are inclined to leave the country
5. Portugal & Italy are known for their capacity to make smart acquisitions of foreign players, especially South-American ones.
FC Sevilla have 5 and FC Porto have 4.
Then we must include the Super Cup for FC Sevilla in 2006 tooPorto 5 if we include the Super Cup
Callegari 18 years very interesting. Motta & Verratti are the perfect mentors
Then we must include the Super Cup for FC Sevilla in 2006 too
Deal done
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After the 4-0 win against Leicester we may retain the ICC NA title depending on how badly Barca can beat Leicester and Liverpool.
It was already known months ago but now official: Verratti extends one more year until 2021.
There is a first trophy to win on saturday: the Trophée des Champions against OL. We're missing a few players so it could be quite an interesting game.
It was already known months ago but now official: Verratti extends one more year until 2021.
There is a first trophy to win on saturday: the Trophée des Champions against OL. We're missing a few players so it could be quite an interesting game.
Seems like a done deal then.
Juventus set to pursue Blaise Matuidi
According to our colleagues at France Football, Blaise Matuidi has been informed by his agent Mino Raiola that Juventus will pursue him after the sale of Paul Pogba to Manchester United goes through.
Matuidi has returned to Paris after his holidays but his future remains uncertain.
Manchester United and Chelsea remain interested in Matuidi, but less so than at the beginning of the window.
PSG & Real Madrid reach agreement for Jesé
According to BeIN Sports FR, PSG have this evening finalised a fee agreement with Real Madrid for the transfer of attacker Jesé.
The Spaniard had one year remaining on his contract with Los Blancos.
A deal has been agreed worth €25m between the two clubs, according to L’Équipe.
More details to follow imminently on this breaking news story.
« Back
Marco Verratti signs fourth consecutive PSG contract extension
Central midfielder Marco Verratti has signed a fourth consecutive contract extension with PSG, having signed one every year since his arrival in 2012.
The player’s new deal runs until 2021 and includes a wage rise.
According to our colleagues at France Football, Blaise Matuidi has been informed by his agent Mino Raiola that Juventus will pursue him after the sale of Paul Pogba to Manchester United goes through.
Matuidi has returned to Paris after his holidays but his future remains uncertain.
Manchester United and Chelsea remain interested in Matuidi, but less so than at the beginning of the window.
PSG & Real Madrid reach agreement for Jesé
According to BeIN Sports FR, PSG have this evening finalised a fee agreement with Real Madrid for the transfer of attacker Jesé.
The Spaniard had one year remaining on his contract with Los Blancos.
A deal has been agreed worth €25m between the two clubs, according to L’Équipe.
More details to follow imminently on this breaking news story.
« Back
Marco Verratti signs fourth consecutive PSG contract extension
Central midfielder Marco Verratti has signed a fourth consecutive contract extension with PSG, having signed one every year since his arrival in 2012.
The player’s new deal runs until 2021 and includes a wage rise.
Real Betis continue to pursue Benjamin Stambouli
Real Betis have submitted an offer for French central midfielder Benjamin Stambouli.
The offer is a straight loan without an option, which has been submitted to PSG.
Les Parisiens are willing to let the player go. Stambouli needs to be convinced by the Spanish side and talks continue.
Official | PSG sign Jesé
PSG have announced the signing of Spanish attacker Jesé from Real Madrid on a five year contract.
The fee is believed to have been worth about €25m.
Jesé had the following to say in an official PSG press release:
“I am extremely happy to join PSG, a club that has become one of the most competitive in Europe. I share the big ambitions of my new club for the coming years and I am looking forward to working under Unai Emery, a man who is known in Spain and Europe for the quality of his work. I cannot wait to start this new challenge in my career.”
Odsonne Edouard to complete Toulouse loan today
18 year old PSG attacker Odsonne Edouard will arrive in Toulouse today to undergo a medical ahead of a season long loan move with Pascal Dupraz’s men.
The loan does not include an option to buy.
Real Betis have submitted an offer for French central midfielder Benjamin Stambouli.
The offer is a straight loan without an option, which has been submitted to PSG.
Les Parisiens are willing to let the player go. Stambouli needs to be convinced by the Spanish side and talks continue.
Official | PSG sign Jesé
PSG have announced the signing of Spanish attacker Jesé from Real Madrid on a five year contract.
The fee is believed to have been worth about €25m.
Jesé had the following to say in an official PSG press release:
“I am extremely happy to join PSG, a club that has become one of the most competitive in Europe. I share the big ambitions of my new club for the coming years and I am looking forward to working under Unai Emery, a man who is known in Spain and Europe for the quality of his work. I cannot wait to start this new challenge in my career.”
Odsonne Edouard to complete Toulouse loan today
18 year old PSG attacker Odsonne Edouard will arrive in Toulouse today to undergo a medical ahead of a season long loan move with Pascal Dupraz’s men.
The loan does not include an option to buy.
What we learnt from Unai Emery’s PSG in pre-season
Given the loss of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the limited availability of a host of South American players in the wake of the Copa America, Paris Saint-Germain’s foray to the United States to play in the International Champions’ Cup always had the potential for embarrassment.
Yes, these matches only friendlies, and young players are more likely to play important roles than they otherwise would, but with a new manager installed in the form of Unai Emery, a close watch was always going to be kept on the team’s performances.
The team acquitted themselves impressively enough in the United States, but more focus would always be placed upon their domestic curtain-raiser, the Trophee de Champions, which matches the league champion with the Coupe de France winners. With PSG having won all of France’s domestic competitions last season, the match pitted the champions against league runners-up Lyon.
The Rhone club having done well to keep the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Corentin Tolisso, as well as adding depth in the form of Nicholas N’Koulou, Lyon had been widely tipped as perhaps being capable of genuinely challenging the capital side.
After all, two seasons ago, a Lyon powered by Alexandre Lacazette’s 27 goals and the fine form of Nabil Fekir had been in first place until late in the season, PSG only moving into first place for good on Matchday 34.
Despite having experimented with a 4-3-3 in the United States, as in the win against Inter Milan, new manager Unai Emery opted for a 4-2-3-1 in Austria, with Thiago Motta and Benjamin Stambouli in front of the back four.
Lyon’s Bruno Genesio deployed a 4-3-3 similar to last season, the now-healthy Fekir taking what had been Rachid Ghezzal’s place on the right. With little in terms of surprises for Lyon (besides what seemed a suicidally high back line) tactically, the focus then comes on to Emery’s 4-2-3-1, a formation that has been more or less his signature.
At Sevilla, the system was aggressive, with a focus on a high pressing style. Tackling as a means of starting a counterattack was prized, and although discipline could be an issue at times, Sevilla’s success against a variety of styles was down to their comfort defending in their own half.
In midfield, Emery used a pair of aggressive, physical midfielders, rotating among Grzegorz Krychowiak, Vicente Iborra and Steven N’Zonzi. All three carry an immense physical presence, and while they may be lacking in any particular sort of attacking guile, they combined an elegant brutality in the tackle, providing the ideal platform for the attacking quartet.
With Ever Banega as the number ten, Kevin Gameiro as an altogether unorthodox no 9 and Yevhen Konoplyanka and Vitolo as the wide players, there was a great deal of freedom in attack.
The pace and ability on the ball of Gameiro made him the ideal counter-attacking outlet, while the elegant Banega pulled the strings, the pace and workrates of the wingers generally creating space for the attack-minded fullbacks, Mariano and Benoit Tremoulinas.
Is this starting to sound familiar, for those of you who watched last week’s match? Two defensive midfielders who get stuck in, protecting a decent but not exceptional backline, attacking fullbacks, and a general freedom of movement for the front four?
While the personnel that will make up Emery’s first choice eleven for the biggest matches is far from settled, the seeds of his re-making PSG in his image are already apparent. The acquisition of Krychowiak gives the champions a defensively-minded option without sacrificing mobility.
As wonderful as Thiago Motta is at protecting a back four, he has never been the fastest player, a condition surely exacerbated by his impending 34th birthday. For all of their wonderful talents, none of Blaise Matuidi, Adrien Rabiot or Marco Verratti really fit the bill either.
Matuidi’s effectiveness without being able to stretch the match in a box-to-box role was painfully apparent in this summer’s European Championships, Rabiot is a fantastic option going forward, but when tasked with a more defensively oriented role, as often struggled with his positioning.
Verratti possesses the natural aggression and tackling ability to succeed in a defensive midfield role, but to have him solely protecting a a back four would be a near-criminal waste of his sublime passing ability. Alongside Krychowiak, though, with the Pole to protect the back four, the diminutive Italian can be the catalyst for the counterattacking style that Emery favours.
Given the loss of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the limited availability of a host of South American players in the wake of the Copa America, Paris Saint-Germain’s foray to the United States to play in the International Champions’ Cup always had the potential for embarrassment.
Yes, these matches only friendlies, and young players are more likely to play important roles than they otherwise would, but with a new manager installed in the form of Unai Emery, a close watch was always going to be kept on the team’s performances.
The team acquitted themselves impressively enough in the United States, but more focus would always be placed upon their domestic curtain-raiser, the Trophee de Champions, which matches the league champion with the Coupe de France winners. With PSG having won all of France’s domestic competitions last season, the match pitted the champions against league runners-up Lyon.
The Rhone club having done well to keep the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Corentin Tolisso, as well as adding depth in the form of Nicholas N’Koulou, Lyon had been widely tipped as perhaps being capable of genuinely challenging the capital side.
After all, two seasons ago, a Lyon powered by Alexandre Lacazette’s 27 goals and the fine form of Nabil Fekir had been in first place until late in the season, PSG only moving into first place for good on Matchday 34.
Despite having experimented with a 4-3-3 in the United States, as in the win against Inter Milan, new manager Unai Emery opted for a 4-2-3-1 in Austria, with Thiago Motta and Benjamin Stambouli in front of the back four.
Lyon’s Bruno Genesio deployed a 4-3-3 similar to last season, the now-healthy Fekir taking what had been Rachid Ghezzal’s place on the right. With little in terms of surprises for Lyon (besides what seemed a suicidally high back line) tactically, the focus then comes on to Emery’s 4-2-3-1, a formation that has been more or less his signature.
At Sevilla, the system was aggressive, with a focus on a high pressing style. Tackling as a means of starting a counterattack was prized, and although discipline could be an issue at times, Sevilla’s success against a variety of styles was down to their comfort defending in their own half.
In midfield, Emery used a pair of aggressive, physical midfielders, rotating among Grzegorz Krychowiak, Vicente Iborra and Steven N’Zonzi. All three carry an immense physical presence, and while they may be lacking in any particular sort of attacking guile, they combined an elegant brutality in the tackle, providing the ideal platform for the attacking quartet.
With Ever Banega as the number ten, Kevin Gameiro as an altogether unorthodox no 9 and Yevhen Konoplyanka and Vitolo as the wide players, there was a great deal of freedom in attack.
The pace and ability on the ball of Gameiro made him the ideal counter-attacking outlet, while the elegant Banega pulled the strings, the pace and workrates of the wingers generally creating space for the attack-minded fullbacks, Mariano and Benoit Tremoulinas.
Is this starting to sound familiar, for those of you who watched last week’s match? Two defensive midfielders who get stuck in, protecting a decent but not exceptional backline, attacking fullbacks, and a general freedom of movement for the front four?
While the personnel that will make up Emery’s first choice eleven for the biggest matches is far from settled, the seeds of his re-making PSG in his image are already apparent. The acquisition of Krychowiak gives the champions a defensively-minded option without sacrificing mobility.
As wonderful as Thiago Motta is at protecting a back four, he has never been the fastest player, a condition surely exacerbated by his impending 34th birthday. For all of their wonderful talents, none of Blaise Matuidi, Adrien Rabiot or Marco Verratti really fit the bill either.
Matuidi’s effectiveness without being able to stretch the match in a box-to-box role was painfully apparent in this summer’s European Championships, Rabiot is a fantastic option going forward, but when tasked with a more defensively oriented role, as often struggled with his positioning.
Verratti possesses the natural aggression and tackling ability to succeed in a defensive midfield role, but to have him solely protecting a a back four would be a near-criminal waste of his sublime passing ability. Alongside Krychowiak, though, with the Pole to protect the back four, the diminutive Italian can be the catalyst for the counterattacking style that Emery favours.
Too often under Laurent Blanc, the team showed too much of a willingness to over-value possession. Yes, they were fine indeed at keeping the ball, but with it continually circling amongst Matuidi, Motta and Verratti, there was a disconnect between the attack and defence.
In the biggest matches, as a result, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was forced to come deep in central areas to receive the ball, while the wingers resorted to chasing balls played over the top by Motta or the two centre backs.
In this system, possession is valued less, but the attacking players and the fullbacks are given greater freedom. The onus on the two central midfielders to break up play, dropping deep to allow the centre backs to is heavily reliant on their work rates, but in Verratti and Krychowiak (and Matuidi), Emery has a great deal of willingness.
In forward areas, play now centres around the number ten, an elegant player who is willing to track back when necessary, but is more importantly a conduit between the workman-like supporting players and the front three. It is no surprise, then that Pastore has taken over the shirt heading into the season.
A fine distributor of the ball, he is also rarely shy about putting a tackle in, giving him a versatility under Laurent Blanc and Carlo Ancelotti that was much-needed. As one of the two central midfielders or as one of the wide forwards, the lanky Argentine’s struggles with fitness last season were, along with those of Verratti, a big reason for PSG’s stumbles in the Champions’ League.
Last week Saturday, he demonstrated how he could excel in this new role. Rather than being solely a creative outlet, Pastore frequently dropped deep to receive the ball, letting his dribbling carry him past the opposing player. He also ranked second on the team in tackles, helping out the slower pairing of Motta and Benjamin Stambouli. After cutting an inconsistent figure during his first few years at the club, it now appears to be Pastore’s time.
That said, the other parts of the champions’ attacking quartet were equally impressive against Lyon. Lucas Moura and Angel Di Maria worked hard to track back, pressing from the front and frequently switching flanks to draw the Lyon defense out of its shell.
The former Real Madrid player has always been renowned for his work ethic, but it was a pleasant surprise to see Moura, not normally noted for his ability to track back, also turn in a hard-working performance.
There may be something to the performances of Jonathan Ikone and Jean-Kevin Augustin this summer, as the two, along with new signing Jese, will have turned up the pressure on the Brazilian to show determination as regards staying in the first-choice eleven.
Hatem Ben Arfa did score a goal, but his first touch and decision making were suspect at times, and the role of the centre forward with this group of players will be easily Emery’s biggest decision.
Ben Arfa and Jese more readily fit the idea of a tricky, pacy unorthodox striker a la Gameiro, but Emery is unafraid to use a more physical player in the role as well, having given Carlos Bacca the starting role two seasons ago to great success.
Cavani, Ben Arfa and Jese are all suited for the role, but which of them earns the start will likely be a situational issue, the level of opposition ability the determining factor.
The fullbacks also seem to be enjoying the arrival of Emery; Serge Aurier’s brace against Inter Milan was followed by another courtesy of Thomas Meunier against Real Madrid.
Even though those matches were friendlies, Serge Aurier and Layvin Kurzawa, the leading candidates to start at fullback, are also capable of scoring and assisting, making the two essentially auxiliary attackers, much to their obvious joy.
Now, this system necessarily requires a good deal of grit and energy to reach its apex, but in Paris Saint-Germain, Emery may have the squad suited to the task.
Whereas last season saw what was arguably over-use in the cases of several players, notably Matuidi and Verratti, Emerey has always been a fan of player rotation, which bode well for the younger members of the squad.
The likes of Rabiot, defender Presnel Kimpembe and Augustin may not feature extensively this season, but they will, through cup competition and the odd league match, surely be afforded the chance to continue their development apace.
Even veteran players such as David Luiz and Thiago Motta can rest easy, given their versatility and big game experience.
As a final talking point, it would be remiss to ignore the goalkeeping situation at the team, and to see if Emery has tipped his hand at all as regards the upcoming season. In the team’s first competitive match, the incumbent, Kevin Trapp started in net, but failing to control a shot almost gave Lyon the lead with the match less than four minutes in.
Things went better as the match wore on, but Alphonse Areola looked magnificent in their friendlies, and given his wealth of international and loan experience.
The young Frenchman has waited years for this opportunity, and despite a middling end to last season with Villarreal, his control and handling easily exceed that of Trapp.
Thus, Unai Emery has laid down a serious marker. He has aggressively recruited players who will not only give depth to the squad but will complete his given instructions.
Fitness is and will likely be an issue for many players, but in ceding more of the ball to opponents, a well-drilled team under the command of a fiery, charismatic manager seems like a recipe for, if not success, then a marked improvement on the often distracted and torpid performances under Blanc.
PSG made a brave call, but between Emery’s opportunistic tactics and fanaticism on the sidelines, the mandated development in European competiton looks as equally likely as the seemingly forgone conclusion of a league race.
E.D.
GFFN
In the biggest matches, as a result, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was forced to come deep in central areas to receive the ball, while the wingers resorted to chasing balls played over the top by Motta or the two centre backs.
In this system, possession is valued less, but the attacking players and the fullbacks are given greater freedom. The onus on the two central midfielders to break up play, dropping deep to allow the centre backs to is heavily reliant on their work rates, but in Verratti and Krychowiak (and Matuidi), Emery has a great deal of willingness.
In forward areas, play now centres around the number ten, an elegant player who is willing to track back when necessary, but is more importantly a conduit between the workman-like supporting players and the front three. It is no surprise, then that Pastore has taken over the shirt heading into the season.
A fine distributor of the ball, he is also rarely shy about putting a tackle in, giving him a versatility under Laurent Blanc and Carlo Ancelotti that was much-needed. As one of the two central midfielders or as one of the wide forwards, the lanky Argentine’s struggles with fitness last season were, along with those of Verratti, a big reason for PSG’s stumbles in the Champions’ League.
Last week Saturday, he demonstrated how he could excel in this new role. Rather than being solely a creative outlet, Pastore frequently dropped deep to receive the ball, letting his dribbling carry him past the opposing player. He also ranked second on the team in tackles, helping out the slower pairing of Motta and Benjamin Stambouli. After cutting an inconsistent figure during his first few years at the club, it now appears to be Pastore’s time.
That said, the other parts of the champions’ attacking quartet were equally impressive against Lyon. Lucas Moura and Angel Di Maria worked hard to track back, pressing from the front and frequently switching flanks to draw the Lyon defense out of its shell.
The former Real Madrid player has always been renowned for his work ethic, but it was a pleasant surprise to see Moura, not normally noted for his ability to track back, also turn in a hard-working performance.
There may be something to the performances of Jonathan Ikone and Jean-Kevin Augustin this summer, as the two, along with new signing Jese, will have turned up the pressure on the Brazilian to show determination as regards staying in the first-choice eleven.
Hatem Ben Arfa did score a goal, but his first touch and decision making were suspect at times, and the role of the centre forward with this group of players will be easily Emery’s biggest decision.
Ben Arfa and Jese more readily fit the idea of a tricky, pacy unorthodox striker a la Gameiro, but Emery is unafraid to use a more physical player in the role as well, having given Carlos Bacca the starting role two seasons ago to great success.
Cavani, Ben Arfa and Jese are all suited for the role, but which of them earns the start will likely be a situational issue, the level of opposition ability the determining factor.
The fullbacks also seem to be enjoying the arrival of Emery; Serge Aurier’s brace against Inter Milan was followed by another courtesy of Thomas Meunier against Real Madrid.
Even though those matches were friendlies, Serge Aurier and Layvin Kurzawa, the leading candidates to start at fullback, are also capable of scoring and assisting, making the two essentially auxiliary attackers, much to their obvious joy.
Now, this system necessarily requires a good deal of grit and energy to reach its apex, but in Paris Saint-Germain, Emery may have the squad suited to the task.
Whereas last season saw what was arguably over-use in the cases of several players, notably Matuidi and Verratti, Emerey has always been a fan of player rotation, which bode well for the younger members of the squad.
The likes of Rabiot, defender Presnel Kimpembe and Augustin may not feature extensively this season, but they will, through cup competition and the odd league match, surely be afforded the chance to continue their development apace.
Even veteran players such as David Luiz and Thiago Motta can rest easy, given their versatility and big game experience.
As a final talking point, it would be remiss to ignore the goalkeeping situation at the team, and to see if Emery has tipped his hand at all as regards the upcoming season. In the team’s first competitive match, the incumbent, Kevin Trapp started in net, but failing to control a shot almost gave Lyon the lead with the match less than four minutes in.
Things went better as the match wore on, but Alphonse Areola looked magnificent in their friendlies, and given his wealth of international and loan experience.
The young Frenchman has waited years for this opportunity, and despite a middling end to last season with Villarreal, his control and handling easily exceed that of Trapp.
Thus, Unai Emery has laid down a serious marker. He has aggressively recruited players who will not only give depth to the squad but will complete his given instructions.
Fitness is and will likely be an issue for many players, but in ceding more of the ball to opponents, a well-drilled team under the command of a fiery, charismatic manager seems like a recipe for, if not success, then a marked improvement on the often distracted and torpid performances under Blanc.
PSG made a brave call, but between Emery’s opportunistic tactics and fanaticism on the sidelines, the mandated development in European competiton looks as equally likely as the seemingly forgone conclusion of a league race.
E.D.
GFFN
Verratti in his limited time looked fantastic, outside of getting dumbied on one possession.
I hope Motta, Pastore and Arfa get replaced from the starting lineup.
Ideally,
Aurier-Marquinhos-Luiz-Kurzawa
Verratti
Krychowiak-ADM
Jese-Cavani-Lucas
I hope Motta, Pastore and Arfa get replaced from the starting lineup.
Ideally,
Aurier-Marquinhos-Luiz-Kurzawa
Verratti
Krychowiak-ADM
Jese-Cavani-Lucas
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Yeah. I would be surprised to see Ben Arfa successful with PSG. In a bad shape: overweight..
Thiago Motta - unfortunately - on the decline since he will be 34 years old at the end of the month!
IMHO, Pastore will be very useful this season because he's versatile if... he is not injured.
Contrary to Laurent Blanc, Unai Emery likes to make some changes each week.
This season will be more challenging & interesting to follow
PSG had €40m offer rejected for Mahmoud Dahoud
According to The Guardian, PSG had a €40m offer for Gladbach’s 20 year old midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud rejected earlier on during this transfer window.
The player’s agent moved to deny to the English newspaper that the player will have a cut-price release clause available for activation next summer.
According to The Guardian, PSG had a €40m offer for Gladbach’s 20 year old midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud rejected earlier on during this transfer window.
The player’s agent moved to deny to the English newspaper that the player will have a cut-price release clause available for activation next summer.
His release clause for next season is supposed to be a humble 10 million. Everybody will be in for him. I hope we've already bagged him in secrecy, though
His release clause for next season is supposed to be a humble 10 million. Everybody will be in for him. I hope we've already bagged him in secrecy, though
Certainly, a tough battle between you and Dortmund
And if he joins Dortmund, then he will have to follow Lewandoski or Hummels
His release clause for next season is supposed to be a humble 10 million. Everybody will be in for him. I hope we've already bagged him in secrecy, though
Why would they reject €40m if he'll be available for €10m next year?
Certainly, a tough battle between you and Dortmund
No need to drop him off at our farm team this time. We need a replacement for Alonso next year, and Dortmunds midfield is pretty stacked already.
Because he's vital for their midfield. They are playing CL, and he's the key player. Also, they have already sold Xhaka, and don't really need money. Apart from that, they are still hoping to get him to stay longer, which hopefully won't happen.
Emery has no problem with dropped Ben Arfa, Verratti out of Dijon clash
Hatem Ben Arfa has again been excluded from Unai Emery's squad for PSG's match against Dijon, while Marco Verratti will sit out.
Unai Emery insists there is no issue between himself and Hatem Ben Arfa despite leaving the midfielder out of the Paris Saint-Germain squad for Tuesday's Ligue 1 match against Dijon.
Ben Arfa was omitted from PSG's 18-man squad for last week's Champions League match against Arsenal, Emery calling on him to "work hard and have the right mentality".
The former Nice playmaker sat out Friday's 6-0 thrashing of Caen and will not feature at the Parc des Princes this week either, but the PSG boss denied he has any problem with the player.
"He is not in the group. It is simply a sporting decision. I take the best players available," Emery said at a media conference on Monday.
"There are no other issues. He is a player like any other. The players in the group are better prepared for tomorrow."
Serge Aurier (ankle) and Layvin Kurzawa (hamstring) have returned to training, but will not take part on Tuesday, while Marco Verratti, who was an unused substitute against Caen due to a thigh concern, is also set to be rested.
"Serge is back in training but not everything has gone to plan," added Emery.
"Layvin Kurzawa trained well, but the doctors preferred that he was left out of the group for tomorrow.
"Verratti is with us in training this afternoon, but he will not take part in the game."
PSG sit third in Ligue 1, three points adrift of leaders Monaco and one back from second-placed Nice.
Emery acknowledged the clash against Dijon cannot be taken lightly and wants his team to put in an energetic display.
He said: "For us it is an important game. Monaco and Nice are ahead of us. It's important to play well at home, with great intensity.
"This is another test, another opportunity. Dijon love to play with the ball. We should be well organised and press well."
Hatem Ben Arfa has again been excluded from Unai Emery's squad for PSG's match against Dijon, while Marco Verratti will sit out.
Unai Emery insists there is no issue between himself and Hatem Ben Arfa despite leaving the midfielder out of the Paris Saint-Germain squad for Tuesday's Ligue 1 match against Dijon.
Ben Arfa was omitted from PSG's 18-man squad for last week's Champions League match against Arsenal, Emery calling on him to "work hard and have the right mentality".
The former Nice playmaker sat out Friday's 6-0 thrashing of Caen and will not feature at the Parc des Princes this week either, but the PSG boss denied he has any problem with the player.
"He is not in the group. It is simply a sporting decision. I take the best players available," Emery said at a media conference on Monday.
"There are no other issues. He is a player like any other. The players in the group are better prepared for tomorrow."
Serge Aurier (ankle) and Layvin Kurzawa (hamstring) have returned to training, but will not take part on Tuesday, while Marco Verratti, who was an unused substitute against Caen due to a thigh concern, is also set to be rested.
"Serge is back in training but not everything has gone to plan," added Emery.
"Layvin Kurzawa trained well, but the doctors preferred that he was left out of the group for tomorrow.
"Verratti is with us in training this afternoon, but he will not take part in the game."
PSG sit third in Ligue 1, three points adrift of leaders Monaco and one back from second-placed Nice.
Emery acknowledged the clash against Dijon cannot be taken lightly and wants his team to put in an energetic display.
He said: "For us it is an important game. Monaco and Nice are ahead of us. It's important to play well at home, with great intensity.
"This is another test, another opportunity. Dijon love to play with the ball. We should be well organised and press well."
Mourinho 'wants Lucas Moura' at Manchester United
Lucas Moura's agent, Wagner Ribeiro, claims Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho wants to sign his client.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is keen to sign Lucas Moura, the Paris Saint-Germain winger's agent Wagner Ribeiro has claimed.
The 24-year-old has made an impressive start to the season, scoring four goals in six appearances under new head coach Unai Emery.
United reportedly rivalled PSG for Lucas' signature in August 2012, and Ribeiro has claimed Real Madrid were also in the race, with Mourinho – then in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu – apparently a big fan of the winger.
And the representative says the former Chelsea boss is still an admirer of Lucas and wants to bring him to Old Trafford in what would be both his and United's second attempt to land the player.
Ribeiro said to ESPN Brazil: "Who called Lucas Moura there [to Real Madrid]? It wasn't Florentino Perez who wanted Lucas Moura, it was Mourinho.
"Mourinho was and is passionate about Lucas Moura. So much so that now at Manchester he wants Lucas as well."
The Portuguese coach's first transfer window with United saw him bring in world-record signing Paul Pogba, as well as Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Lucas Moura's agent, Wagner Ribeiro, claims Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho wants to sign his client.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is keen to sign Lucas Moura, the Paris Saint-Germain winger's agent Wagner Ribeiro has claimed.
The 24-year-old has made an impressive start to the season, scoring four goals in six appearances under new head coach Unai Emery.
United reportedly rivalled PSG for Lucas' signature in August 2012, and Ribeiro has claimed Real Madrid were also in the race, with Mourinho – then in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu – apparently a big fan of the winger.
And the representative says the former Chelsea boss is still an admirer of Lucas and wants to bring him to Old Trafford in what would be both his and United's second attempt to land the player.
Ribeiro said to ESPN Brazil: "Who called Lucas Moura there [to Real Madrid]? It wasn't Florentino Perez who wanted Lucas Moura, it was Mourinho.
"Mourinho was and is passionate about Lucas Moura. So much so that now at Manchester he wants Lucas as well."
The Portuguese coach's first transfer window with United saw him bring in world-record signing Paul Pogba, as well as Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Monaco can push PSG for the title - Jardim
The additional experience in Monaco's squad can make them contenders for the Ligue 1 title, according to Leonardo Jardim.
Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim is confident his side can compete for the Ligue 1 title after they picked up their fourth consecutive victory by beating Rennes 3-0.
Radamel Falcao's first league goal of the season got Monaco off the mark on Saturday before Thomas Lemar notched a brace in a one-sided game at Stade Louis II, leaving Jardim in an optimistic mood.
Monaco top of the table, having won four and drawn one of their opening five games, while champions Paris Saint-Germain trail them by three points.
Jardim told L'Equipe: "The favourites for the championship, which is a long-term competition, is Paris.
"We have had a good start. Our team is more balanced. We have more solutions that will balance the championship. But Nice, Lyon and Marseille have also invested in their squads.
"We want to continue with the good results. We want to win the next game. That's why we work.
"When you change the team and the players who enter respond, then it keeps a good atmosphere in the team and the locker room."
The victory over Rennes came just three days after Monaco beat Tottenham at Wembley in the Champions League, and Jardim credited the experience amongst his players as having a bearing on their good form.
He said: "The game was balanced in the first half. In the second half we were better. There are three clear goals but we scored two goals in the final 10 minutes.
"The opponent tried to attack us, allowing us to counter - 2-0 would have been a logical result.
"This season we have more experience. The team is stronger than last season. But perfection does not exist."
The additional experience in Monaco's squad can make them contenders for the Ligue 1 title, according to Leonardo Jardim.
Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim is confident his side can compete for the Ligue 1 title after they picked up their fourth consecutive victory by beating Rennes 3-0.
Radamel Falcao's first league goal of the season got Monaco off the mark on Saturday before Thomas Lemar notched a brace in a one-sided game at Stade Louis II, leaving Jardim in an optimistic mood.
Monaco top of the table, having won four and drawn one of their opening five games, while champions Paris Saint-Germain trail them by three points.
Jardim told L'Equipe: "The favourites for the championship, which is a long-term competition, is Paris.
"We have had a good start. Our team is more balanced. We have more solutions that will balance the championship. But Nice, Lyon and Marseille have also invested in their squads.
"We want to continue with the good results. We want to win the next game. That's why we work.
"When you change the team and the players who enter respond, then it keeps a good atmosphere in the team and the locker room."
The victory over Rennes came just three days after Monaco beat Tottenham at Wembley in the Champions League, and Jardim credited the experience amongst his players as having a bearing on their good form.
He said: "The game was balanced in the first half. In the second half we were better. There are three clear goals but we scored two goals in the final 10 minutes.
"The opponent tried to attack us, allowing us to counter - 2-0 would have been a logical result.
"This season we have more experience. The team is stronger than last season. But perfection does not exist."
Matuidi backs Cavani to keep on scoring
France international Blaise Matuidi has backed Edinson Cavani to maintain his sudden upsurge in form for Paris Saint-Germain.
Blaise Matuidi is hoping Edinson Cavani's four-goal salvo against Caen will provide the Paris Saint-Germain striker with the confidence he needs to go on a scoring spree.
Uruguay international Cavani has come under fire this season after initially struggling to fill the boots of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the central striking role at PSG - a position he has craved for some time.
But a goal in midweek against Arsenal in the Champions League and four more, all in the first half, at the Stade Malherbe Caen have provided evidence he is starting to emerge from the Swede's shadow.
Matuidi said: "He already scored against Arsenal and [against Caen] he got four goals so we are really pleased for him. I hope he will keep moving forward.
"We know that Edi is a guy who needs confidence. We know that.
"But he's a very talented player. He scores a lot of goals every season.
"We trust him completely. I know that he will score a lot of goals this year."
Close-season recruit Grzegorz Krychowiak believes Caen walked into a PSG backlash following their frustrating draw against the Gunners at the Parc des Princes.
The Poland midfielder said: "I think we've been a little disappointed because I think we could have won against Arsenal. We had several chances to. Unfortunately we lacked a bit of efficiency.
"The win against Caen is good for what lies ahead. We will keep going."
France international Blaise Matuidi has backed Edinson Cavani to maintain his sudden upsurge in form for Paris Saint-Germain.
Blaise Matuidi is hoping Edinson Cavani's four-goal salvo against Caen will provide the Paris Saint-Germain striker with the confidence he needs to go on a scoring spree.
Uruguay international Cavani has come under fire this season after initially struggling to fill the boots of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the central striking role at PSG - a position he has craved for some time.
But a goal in midweek against Arsenal in the Champions League and four more, all in the first half, at the Stade Malherbe Caen have provided evidence he is starting to emerge from the Swede's shadow.
Matuidi said: "He already scored against Arsenal and [against Caen] he got four goals so we are really pleased for him. I hope he will keep moving forward.
"We know that Edi is a guy who needs confidence. We know that.
"But he's a very talented player. He scores a lot of goals every season.
"We trust him completely. I know that he will score a lot of goals this year."
Close-season recruit Grzegorz Krychowiak believes Caen walked into a PSG backlash following their frustrating draw against the Gunners at the Parc des Princes.
The Poland midfielder said: "I think we've been a little disappointed because I think we could have won against Arsenal. We had several chances to. Unfortunately we lacked a bit of efficiency.
"The win against Caen is good for what lies ahead. We will keep going."
Caen 0 Paris Saint-Germain 6: Cavani hits four-goal blitz in thrashing
PSG broke a run of three games without a win with a 5-0 hammering of Caen on Friday, Edinson Cavani hitting four goals in the first half.
Edinson Cavani struck four times in the opening 45 minutes as Paris Saint-Germain hammered Caen 0-6 in Ligue 1 on Friday to get back to winning ways.
Cavani opened the scoring in the 12th minute, finishing well from Maxwell's low cross, and the Uruguay international soon made it 2-0 from the penalty spot.
Syam Ben Youssef gave the ball away to Lucas Moura and then fouled the winger, with Cavani beating Remy Vercoutre with a well-struck spot-kick into the goalkeeper's bottom-right corner.
The hat-trick was completed seven minutes before the break, Cavani slotting in at the near post from another stunning move down the PSG left involving Angel Di Maria, before the striker scored again, finishing off Thomas Mounier's pass to make it a rout.
Lucas added a fifth from range with 23 minutes to go and Jean-Kevin Augustin wrapped up the scoring with a powerful finish from the edge of the area.
PSG were winless in three matches going into this game but move top of the Ligue 1 table following their stunning return to form, while Caen remain in mid-table.
Cavani scored in the first minute against Arsenal in the Champions League in midweek and he almost broke the deadlock early again, shooting wide in the fourth minute after a terrific lofted pass from Di Maria.
He did not have to wait long for the goal, though, as he found the back of the net after just 11 minutes.
Di Maria's throughball fed Maxwell on the left and, after Lucas failed to connect with the low cross, Cavani tucked a neat finish in off the post.
PSG were then gifted a second when Ben Youssef hauled down Lucas in the area, the Brazilian having robbed the defender before bursting into the box.
Cavani thumped a low penalty home to double the lead and put PSG in complete control, although Vercoutre chose correctly when by diving to his right.
A rampant PSG continued to carve open Caen at will and saw Lucas and Di Maria go close, the latter crafting a wonderful lofted attempt that drifted over the crossbar.
Instead it was Cavani who added the third, the striker completing his hat-trick after 38 minutes, with Di Maria again the creator prior to Maxwell delivering the decisive cross.
And it was four on the stroke of half-time with Cavani again the man on target, a scuffed finish from the in-form forward beating Vercoutre.
Cavani, who accepted the blame for PSG's draw with Arsenal, was withdrawn at half-time and the magnificent Di Maria was replaced on the hour-mark as PSG coach Unai Emery protected his stars ahead of Tuesday's home match against Dijon.
Lucas made it five after being given too much space to shoot from outside the box, Vercoutre only able to palm the powerful drive into the corner to make the score even more emphatic.
Caen should have had a consolation when Ivan Santini's header was well saved by Alphonse Areola, but it would have only been a mere consolation.
Augustin made no mistake to register his first of the season, though, as the 19-year-old made it six to complete a sensational PSG performance.
Emery hails PSG mentality after Caen thrashing
Edinson Cavani scored four goals in PSG's 6-0 thrashing of Caen, leaving head coach Unai Emery delighted with his team's mentality.
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Unai Emery hailed the mentality of his side after they crushed Caen 6-0 on Friday to move top of Ligue 1.
Edinson Cavani shrugged off criticism of his performance in the 1-1 Champions League draw with Arsenal in midweek by hitting four goals in the first half to kick off the rout.
Lucas Moura and substitute Jean-Kevin Augustin then added further strikes after the interval to break a run of three games without a win for PSG in fine style.
"For me it's consistency," said Emery. "The style is winning.
"After, there is work to change, to see how you're going to win.
"For me, today, the team had the mentality we want. They played with intensity and consistency throughout the match. We started well, with a solid block.
"The first opportunity for us fell to Cavani from a pass from Di Maria and we continued. After he continued and he scored on all occasions."
Emery revealed he prioritised keeping a clean sheet against Caen, with PSG having conceded five goals in their three previous games.
"Today, I told the players it was important not to concede goals," the Spaniard said. "It was the most important thing.
"After, we will have chances and score goals. There was the effectiveness of the players to score goals, but for me the most important was not to concede goals."
Out-of-favour attacker Hatem Ben Arfa was again left out of the squad by Emery, who insisted he has no problem with the former Nice forward.
"For me, all players are the same," Emery said. "Today, those who were the best for this match were here.
"Today I am very happy with the team and we will work for Tuesday's game with everyone.
"There are no problems [with Ben Arfa], it is a purely sporting matter. It is not a question of level. Today Augustin played - and played well. I want everyone who works and after all players are the same for me."
PSG broke a run of three games without a win with a 5-0 hammering of Caen on Friday, Edinson Cavani hitting four goals in the first half.
Edinson Cavani struck four times in the opening 45 minutes as Paris Saint-Germain hammered Caen 0-6 in Ligue 1 on Friday to get back to winning ways.
Cavani opened the scoring in the 12th minute, finishing well from Maxwell's low cross, and the Uruguay international soon made it 2-0 from the penalty spot.
Syam Ben Youssef gave the ball away to Lucas Moura and then fouled the winger, with Cavani beating Remy Vercoutre with a well-struck spot-kick into the goalkeeper's bottom-right corner.
The hat-trick was completed seven minutes before the break, Cavani slotting in at the near post from another stunning move down the PSG left involving Angel Di Maria, before the striker scored again, finishing off Thomas Mounier's pass to make it a rout.
Lucas added a fifth from range with 23 minutes to go and Jean-Kevin Augustin wrapped up the scoring with a powerful finish from the edge of the area.
PSG were winless in three matches going into this game but move top of the Ligue 1 table following their stunning return to form, while Caen remain in mid-table.
Cavani scored in the first minute against Arsenal in the Champions League in midweek and he almost broke the deadlock early again, shooting wide in the fourth minute after a terrific lofted pass from Di Maria.
He did not have to wait long for the goal, though, as he found the back of the net after just 11 minutes.
Di Maria's throughball fed Maxwell on the left and, after Lucas failed to connect with the low cross, Cavani tucked a neat finish in off the post.
PSG were then gifted a second when Ben Youssef hauled down Lucas in the area, the Brazilian having robbed the defender before bursting into the box.
Cavani thumped a low penalty home to double the lead and put PSG in complete control, although Vercoutre chose correctly when by diving to his right.
A rampant PSG continued to carve open Caen at will and saw Lucas and Di Maria go close, the latter crafting a wonderful lofted attempt that drifted over the crossbar.
Instead it was Cavani who added the third, the striker completing his hat-trick after 38 minutes, with Di Maria again the creator prior to Maxwell delivering the decisive cross.
And it was four on the stroke of half-time with Cavani again the man on target, a scuffed finish from the in-form forward beating Vercoutre.
Cavani, who accepted the blame for PSG's draw with Arsenal, was withdrawn at half-time and the magnificent Di Maria was replaced on the hour-mark as PSG coach Unai Emery protected his stars ahead of Tuesday's home match against Dijon.
Lucas made it five after being given too much space to shoot from outside the box, Vercoutre only able to palm the powerful drive into the corner to make the score even more emphatic.
Caen should have had a consolation when Ivan Santini's header was well saved by Alphonse Areola, but it would have only been a mere consolation.
Augustin made no mistake to register his first of the season, though, as the 19-year-old made it six to complete a sensational PSG performance.
Emery hails PSG mentality after Caen thrashing
Edinson Cavani scored four goals in PSG's 6-0 thrashing of Caen, leaving head coach Unai Emery delighted with his team's mentality.
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Unai Emery hailed the mentality of his side after they crushed Caen 6-0 on Friday to move top of Ligue 1.
Edinson Cavani shrugged off criticism of his performance in the 1-1 Champions League draw with Arsenal in midweek by hitting four goals in the first half to kick off the rout.
Lucas Moura and substitute Jean-Kevin Augustin then added further strikes after the interval to break a run of three games without a win for PSG in fine style.
"For me it's consistency," said Emery. "The style is winning.
"After, there is work to change, to see how you're going to win.
"For me, today, the team had the mentality we want. They played with intensity and consistency throughout the match. We started well, with a solid block.
"The first opportunity for us fell to Cavani from a pass from Di Maria and we continued. After he continued and he scored on all occasions."
Emery revealed he prioritised keeping a clean sheet against Caen, with PSG having conceded five goals in their three previous games.
"Today, I told the players it was important not to concede goals," the Spaniard said. "It was the most important thing.
"After, we will have chances and score goals. There was the effectiveness of the players to score goals, but for me the most important was not to concede goals."
Out-of-favour attacker Hatem Ben Arfa was again left out of the squad by Emery, who insisted he has no problem with the former Nice forward.
"For me, all players are the same," Emery said. "Today, those who were the best for this match were here.
"Today I am very happy with the team and we will work for Tuesday's game with everyone.
"There are no problems [with Ben Arfa], it is a purely sporting matter. It is not a question of level. Today Augustin played - and played well. I want everyone who works and after all players are the same for me."
According to O Jogo in Portugal, PSG have already started negotiations for Benfica's Victor Lindelof to be David Luiz's replacement.
PSG - DIJON Tonight: a lot of posters will watch this game as usual
Injured: Aurier, Kurzawa & Verratti
Krychowiak, Di Maria & Rabiot played last Friday and will probaly play the next one.
Injured: Aurier, Kurzawa & Verratti
Krychowiak, Di Maria & Rabiot played last Friday and will probaly play the next one.
Keep posting, I enjoy your updates.PSG - DIJON Tonight: a lot of posters will watch this game as usual