Ligue 1 Review: PSG Purring Ahead of Liverpool Clash
"Everyone can see: we are a real team," Luis Enrique proudly declared ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s commanding 4-1 victory over Lille OSC on Saturday evening. This statement resonates deeply, reflecting a theme that has emerged consistently this season. The current PSG squad feels different from its predecessors, a transformation driven by a strategic shift in the club’s player acquisition policy over the past three seasons. Gone are the days when PSG sought to lure the biggest names in football to Ligue 1. Instead, the club is now focused on young, often French, talent with high potential for growth. The departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar in 2023, followed by Kylian Mbappé the next summer, have significantly altered the team’s dynamics. As Fabián Ruiz aptly put it, “They left and now we don’t have any global stars, but we have a more united team.”
The Benefits of a New Approach
The benefits of this new approach are evident. Under Luis Enrique’s management, PSG is purring, with an unbeaten record in the league after 24 games and a commanding 13-point lead over second-placed Olympique de Marseille. With just 10 games left, the possibility of an invincible season looms large. Saturday’s match against Lille could have been a potential upset, given the team’s reputation as a giant killer under Bruno Génésio. However, any such notions were swiftly dispelled as PSG dominated from the start. The game was effectively over by halftime, with PSG racing to a four-goal lead. Their defensive press was relentless, leaving Lille with minimal opportunities, resulting in just one consolation goal from Jonathan David in the 80th minute.
Timing Is Everything
At the start of the season, there were concerns about PSG’s goalscoring ability, particularly in the Champions League. However, since January, the club has been on a remarkable run, scoring 54 goals in 16 games. This surge has already eclipsed their first-half tally of 51 goals in seven fewer matches. This form adds to the feeling that Enrique’s squad is peaking at the right time. On Wednesday, they face their biggest test of the season when they host Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. The English giants have been nearly unbeatable this season, topping their Champions League group and maintaining a 13-point lead in the Premier League. Despite the daunting challenge, PSG are not backing down. As Luis Enrique stated, “We’ll attack, we don’t feel inferior to Liverpool, it’s 50-50 and we’ll try and turn it to our favour.”
Ligue 1 Subplots: Rising Stars and Controversy
While PSG’s success is a dominant narrative, other subplots in Ligue 1 are equally noteworthy. One of the most striking stories is the rise of Mika Biereth at AS Monaco. The young striker has scored 10 times since joining the club from Sturm Graz in January, with nine of those goals coming from three hat-tricks. Biereth’s performance against Stade de Reims was a record-breaking night, making him the first player in 70 years to achieve three hat-tricks in his first seven Ligue 1 games. His 10 goals also make him the top scorer in Europe’s top five leagues in 2025, marking a game-changing transfer for Monaco.
Managerial Controversies
On a less positive note, Paulo Fonseca, the new head coach of Olympique Lyonnais, faces a potential 7-month suspension after his red card in the club’s 2-1 victory over Stade Brestois. Fonseca clashed with the referee in the dying minutes, leading to his dismissal. The incident has sparked a heated debate and could have significant implications for Lyon’s season. Jean Louis-Gasset, the head coach of Montpellier HSC, also made headlines by criticizing his team’s attitude after a devastating 3-0 defeat to Stade Rennais. "I have the impression that not everyone is giving everything," he warned. Montpellier’s struggles are dire, as they sit at the bottom of the table, seven points from safety. Both incidents highlight the high stakes and intense pressure within the league.
Preparing for Liverpool
As PSG prepares to face Liverpool, the team’s unity and form are their strongest assets. The club’s strategic shift towards a younger, more cohesive squad has paid off, with players like Biereth and the team’s new dynamics contributing to their success. While Liverpool presents a formidable challenge, PSG’s current form suggests they are well-prepared. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, and PSG’s fans will be hoping their team can continue their unbeaten run and make a strong statement in the Champions League.
