A week is a long time in football and certainly, things can change for better or for worse. Paris Saint Germain may be comfortably set for another league title, but they are severe problems running through the core of the football club both on and off the pitch. From issues with the owner to the disgruntlement of fans and players, there is a toxic atmosphere building around France’s capital club.
Huge Problems Running Through Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain’s Owner Nasser Al Khelaifi Is At The Height Of The Problem
PSG’s problems begin at the top of the club with owner Nasser Al Khelaifi being charged with handing bribes to former FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke. However, despite having his corruption case dropped, these new charges have put PSG in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons on the pitch.
Al Khelaifi will contest the charges but he could face further investigation with another smaller issue also being looked into. These charges couldn’t have come at a more difficult time for the Parisians. It is unknown what will happen next to PSG’s owner but the issues need a quick resolution to put PSG out of the negative spotlight.
Thomas Tuchel’s Future Remains In Doubt
PSG are also having to deal with the constant speculation about manager Thomas Tuchel. While Tuchel has never said he is unhappy, he remains under intense speculation about his job with clubs including Bayern Munich interested in his services. Tuchel has delivered the one league title in his nineteen months in Paris and another one is on the way. However, they are desperate for the Champions League trophy to arrive in Paris. But the club continues to struggle in the knockout phases of the competition not going further than the quarter-finals.
They went out to Manchester United last season and now they face the prospect of going out again after losing the first leg of their last-16 tie to Borussia Dortmund. They need a big performance in Paris, but their recent performances in particular defensively have left fans majorly concerned. PSG have conceded nine goals in their last three games in all competitions which is unacceptable for a team of their calibre. They need to quickly get their act together otherwise the season will end in disappointment once again.
Defeat to Dortmund in the second leg certainly would crank up the pressure on Thomas Tuchel. Fans are already frustrated with their recent performances and lack of fight in the crucial games. Tuchel’s future is in doubt and it’s unknown whether he will still be at the club next season.
The PSG Players Are Frustrated, Caught Up In Unnecessary Scandals And Fighting For Their Futures
The PSG players are also feeling the heat with the frustration and pressure intensifying following that defeat to Dortmund. Neymar’s frustration has been built in the past week. The Brazilian felt disgruntled for being left out of their league game with Amiens.
His miserable week continued with a poor performance in Dortmund and a red card against Bordeaux in PSG’s 4-3 win. Neymar’s future remains in doubt and speculation about an exit from PSG will only intensify after his week of pure frustration. However, he isn’t the only player frustrated with Presnel Kimpembe forced to apologise for his brother’s behaviour on social media. The defender said sorry to manager Thomas Tuchel after his brother released an explicit video discussing Tuchel’s family. Marquinhos also apologised to the club after he released a video of the players’ recent celebrations at a joint birthday party. These are unnecessary issues dragging PSG into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
In addition to this, the futures of some of the players are also creeping into the spotlight. Thiago Silva’s contract expires at the end of the season and there isn’t any indication PSG are giving him a new deal. The Brazilian has been a terrific servant to the club and is a leader in the dressing room. Players want him to stay but Silva’s future is in the club’s hands. Edinson Cavani’s future is also in question despite his recent return to the team. The Uruguayan looked for all the world he was joining Atletico Madrid in January. He still may in the summer with a new deal yet to be offered.
The Game With Borussia Dortmund Could Define Their Season
PSG’s season relies on the Borussia Dortmund game in a few weeks’ time. Defeat in that will intensify an atmosphere which is turning toxic after a difficult week. Their abject performance in the first leg only heightened the frustration around the football club. The pressure is on with Champions League glory the main priority between now and the end of the season.
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