After its elimination against Dortmund in the semi-final of the Champions League, PSG still has four games to play before the end of the season. With a trophy to win and foundations to lay for its future. Without forgetting to say goodbye to Kylian Mbappé, who is preparing to leave the capital club.
There will be no historic quadruplet. PSG’s great dream was shattered by Dortmund’s defense and the uprights of the Parc des Princes on Tuesday in the semi-final second leg of the Champions League. Beaten 1-0 in the first leg in Germany, the Parisians lost by the same score in front of their heated crowd, at the end of a frustrating match where they dominated (70% possession) while creating numerous chances (30 shots, 5 on target). The solidity of Borussia finally annihilated the ambitions of Luis Enrique’s players, who took time to show themselves sharp against BVB. Mats Hummels was responsible for showering the stadium by scoring the only goal of the match from a corner after returning from the locker room. Enough to qualify Dortmund for the third C1 final in its history.
A real disappointment for PSG, who imagined crossing the Channel on June 1, to challenge Real Madrid or Bayern Munich at Wembley. The season will finally end a week early. But its epilogue is still accompanied by important issues. Before completing their 2023-2024 financial year, Marquinhos’ teammates still have four matches to play. Already crowned champions of France, they will receive their trophy on Sunday during the reception in Toulouse (9 p.m.). The opportunity to commune with their supporters.
What exit for Mbappé?
This will be Kylian Mbappé’s last match in the red and blue jersey at the Parc des Princes. A necessarily special moment for the top scorer in the club’s history (255). Let’s see how the Parisian public will behave with the crack Bondy, who announced (internally) his departure this summer. This will be an important issue for the image of PSG, which has not always negotiated well the last chapter of its main stars since the arrival of the Qatari owners, like Neymar, Edison Cavani, Thiago Silva or even Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Defeat prohibited in the Coupe de France final
After this special evening against TFC, the Parisians will travel twice to close their championship, to Nice (May 15) then to Metz (May 19). A way to prepare for the Coupe de France final against OL, scheduled for May 25 at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq. In the den of Losc, Vitinha’s partners will try to achieve a hat-trick, after winning the Champions Trophy and the L1. With the hope of winning the fifteenth Coupe de France for PSG, which already holds the record for titles in the competition. This will be Kylian Mbappé’s last match with Paris. And perhaps his 15th personal trophy (in all competitions) with his hometown team. A defeat would cast a huge shadow when it comes time to take stock, between a club which would have won everything in its country and gone to the semi-final of the Champions League and a club which would only have the championship and the Champions Trophy to go. his track record
A future around Luis Enrique
Beyond the results, this end of the season will also allow PSG to prepare for its near future. Barring any surprises, Luis Enrique should continue his adventure on the bench next season. Nasser Al-Khelaïfi was also annoyed when a question was asked to him on this subject after the elimination against Dortmund. Under contract until 2025, the Spanish coach has won over his managers, his players and a large part of the Parisian supporters. With his assertive personality, his uncompromising management and his playing principles, the former coach of La Roja was able to build a young, talented and united group. Without placing a player above the fray.
Let’s see to what extent his opinion will be listened to during the offseason. With the departure of Kylian Mbappé, a page will inevitably be turned in the city of lights. Recruits are expected to strengthen the squad, in several sectors of play. Will Luis Campos still be in charge to lead this summer transfer window? With Antero Henrique around? Will Nasser Al-Khelaïfi also be active on certain issues? So many points that PSG will have to clarify quickly in order to plan calmly on its next challenges. To better set out again to attack your dreams.
