Paris Saint‑Germain won a Ligue 1 match against Le Mans, 3-1, but the victory did not dispel the doubts surrounding the team ahead of the European clash against Manchester City. The match, played on Saturday, highlighted several weaknesses in the Parisian squad, particularly regarding roster depth and defensive stability, leaving coach Luis Enrique with an important job preparing for the trip to Anfield.
Maxime Chanot, RMC Sport consultant, stressed that the quality of the replacements did not meet the expectations of a club of the stature of PSG. According to him, “the depth of the Parisian squad is insufficient and it is worrying that the coach must rely on his “fantastics” to beat a promoted team like Le Mans”. The observation is clear: PSG must know how to rotate its squad without losing control and efficiency, especially when it comes to Champions League matches.
On the defensive side, questions remain about the performance of Lucas Hernandez and Ilya Zabarnyi. Hernandez, although committed and aggressive, showed defensive choices that sometimes lacked lucidity, notably during Manceau's goal. Zabarnyi, for his part, did not deliver a bad performance, but it remains too early to conclude that he can replace Marquinhos with the same guarantees during major European meetings. Brazilian Lucas Beraldo, newly introduced in a different role, also sparked reservations, particularly regarding his technical mastery and ability to remain steady under pressure.
Young players, Dro Fernández and Mika Godts, have also been scrutinized. Fernández, at 18, has fine technique and quality in small spaces, but he still has to adapt to the physical intensity of Ligue 1. Godts, who started for the first time in Ligue 1, has shown qualities but must gain power and consistency in duels. Their development will be crucial for PSG, especially against a team like Manchester City, who recently pulverized Liverpool and maintains an impeccable start to the Premier League season.
Finally, PSG must prepare for a higher level of concentration to compete with Enzo Maresca's men. The victory against Le Mans allowed us to take three points, but it did not erase the weaknesses observed. On Wednesday, Luis Enrique will have to find the right balance between rotation and experience, while demanding more from his defenders and his young players. Faced with a Manchester City in full confidence, the errors observed at the Parc des Princes could be immediately punished, and PSG must be ready to take up this challenge.