PSG set for a tough start to the season, Marles delivers a blunt verdict

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·6 août 2025

PSG set for a tough start to the season, Marles delivers a blunt verdict

Paris Saint-Germain returns to the PSG Campus this Wednesday, August 6, to kick off the 2025-2026 season. A very late start after playing in the Club World Cup final on July 13, in addition to all possible matches before that during the season. And they will have to start the competition next Wednesday, with the European Super Cup against Tottenham. Alexandre Marles, former performance manager at Paris, discussed in L’Equipe the great "challenge" that awaits PSG.

"Imagining that this team will be ready next week against Tottenham or against Nantes makes no sense."

"This is a challenge that major European clubs like Real Madrid and Barça have faced in the past. And it's definitely more complicated. First, it's difficult because they will be getting back players, after a long season, who have really unwound, and that's normal. And who have become deconditioned. This means a loss of strength and therefore speed, endurance. Added to this are flights, time zone differences, and the heat. The first challenge will be to establish a medical assessment and fitness levels through precise data, particularly body fat percentages. Imagining that this team will be ready next week against Tottenham or against Nantes makes no sense. Tottenham resumed several weeks ago, played friendly matches, so it will be very difficult."

"Players who played less last season will inevitably have a more important role at the start."

Then, the foundational preparation necessary for a season with high objectives will take place throughout August. PSG's objectives are later, so they will use the matches as work sessions. With, undoubtedly, a lot of rotations. In the starting eleven but also maximum turnover around the hour mark. Players who played less last season will inevitably have a more important role at the start."

First, we make a small correction, perhaps a lack of precision when expressing. But no club has ever faced this challenge. And only Chelsea comes close, after a long season in the Premier League and winning the Europa Conference League before also winning the Club World Cup.

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But it was the first edition of this competition, which involves the entire squad. Whereas international competitions (Euro, World Cup, Copa America) only take a part and often a fairly small one until the end. This requires adaptations but leaves part of the group available to prepare.

Here, everyone starts "late." With, in addition, this famous European Super Cup before Ligue 1. These are difficulties to overcome. Coach Luis Enrique has not forgotten to rejoice in it, as it means Paris had a superb run.

Now, adaptation is necessary, and they were hoping for new signings for the start. It seems they will have to wait a bit longer. But it is clear that the Parisians are not at their peak right away. Be careful, they have already proven that they have resources. Luis Enrique and his staff have also achieved feats in physical management.

We should not write off PSG in August. Even if we expect a gradual build-up over the months. Let's not forget that they have at least had a shorter break than others. Care must also be taken regarding the workload over the year.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.