2018/19 Season Preview: Paris Saint-Germain | OneFootball

It’s not often you see managers sacked just weeks after winning a domestic treble, but that’s what happened at Paris Saint-Germain last season.

It was Unai Emery out and Thomas Tuchel in at the Parc des Princes with a clear goal in mind: Champions League glory.

Will they fall at the final hurdle again or can they be more than flat-track bullies? Here’s the lowdown on their prospects for 2018/19.

What has changed since last season?

“There is extraordinary potential in Paris and this is the most exciting challenge that I have received,” said Tuchel after being appointed. “Together with my staff we will do everything to create a project, help the team push their limits and achieve their goals.”

They like that word in Paris, don’t they? Project. By bringing in one of the most coveted coaches in world football, it seems that there is a clear plan in place to really build something after years of stop-gaps.

With present ownership, financial power, the best players and one of the best managers in the world, there can’t be any more excuses now though. Nothing comes in half measures under their new boss and nobody knows which way it could go – but they certainly won’t be short of entertainment.

How have they done in the transfer market?

Honestly? There’s work to be done. They’ve brought in legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon following his departure from Juventus, but this feels like more of a statement signing than anything. Kylian Mbappé also made his loan move permanent.

But they’ve sold Javier Pastore, Yuri Berchiche and failed to replace Thiago Motta who retired at the age of 35. Gonçalo Guedes and Ángel di María could also leave by the end of August to meet FFP regulations. You feel they’re a couple of signings short in defence (Jérôme Boateng?) and midfield (N’Golo Kanté?) to really step up.

Who will be their key man?

Whether you like him or not, you can’t deny that Neymar is a ridiculously talented footballer. Before his injury in March, France looked to easy for a man of his ability as the Parisians cruised to another league title.

They’ve managed to keep him despite a huge gaping hole on Real Madrid’s left side and you feel that if they’re going to crack the Champions League – he will be central to that.

Who will be their top scorer?

Edinson Cavani. El Matador.

Zlatan Ibrahimović had a huge impact for PSG both on and off the pitch, but you could argue his presence was stifling to others – namely Cavani – who has unsurprisingly smashed it when played centrally.

47 goals scored for club and country last season and we’re really interested to see how he performs in such an attacking system.

Are there any young players we should be keeping an eye on?

Can Mbappé still be considered ‘one to keep an eye on’ even though he’s already a world beater? Frightening pace, oozes calm in front of goal and with a taste for flair, he’s a generational talent and PSG are lucky to have him.

In terms of those who have gone under the radar, Christopher Nkunku finished last season well and was superb throughout pre-season. Timothy Weah could prove an interesting option for Cavani in Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue games.

What will Tuchel’s biggest challenge be?

Managing a dressing room full of egos. At Mainz and later Dortmund, Tuchel never had to deal with with cliques and tensions like the current PSG one.

His work on the training ground is intense and detailed which can be incredibly overwhelming but some players need that to progress. Others can’t cope with this approach, as proven by him falling out with the Dortmund hierarchy by criticising them or disagreeing on various points.

At least he speaks French, which allows him to send a clear message across. But it will be interesting to see how long he takes to get the players on board and if he gets the full respect that Emery never got.

Can you show me their home and away jersey and give it a mark out of 10?

Classic PSG. A design that’s synonymous with the club, matches the badge and French colours, but also offers little in the way of variation. We like the red strip down the middle though. 6/10

We like this! They’ve gone a bit different with white instead of the black away strip we saw last season, plus there’s a tribute to the Arc de Triomphe on the back which is a nice touch. 7/10

What does PSG’s best XI look like?

And finally, where will PSG finish in Ligue 1?

Anything other than top spot would be a disaster. Monaco are rebuilding (again), Lyon will always be there or thereabouts but in terms of talent and financial power – there is no excuse for Tuchel this season.