Down, But Not Out Against Dortmund

It's a good thing there were fireworks after the match to celebrate Paris Saint-Germain's 12th Ligue 1 title because during Kylian Mbappé's final home match against Toulouse FC, there was very little to celebrate.On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Marc Damon to discuss Mbappé's announcement regarding his future and why his legacy at PSG is so complicated.Up first, we discuss Mbappé's rehearsed farewell video that was posted to his social media channels last Friday. We discuss the timing of the video's release and the fact he didn't mention PSG's president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi.Then, we discuss the positives regarding Mbappé's legacy at PSG, but also some of the negatives, and that contrast is likely what caused some of the supporters at the match on Sunday to whistle when his name was announced. There's no question Mbappé has the best statistics at PSG and may be the best player in club history. However, he failed to deliver a UEFA Champions League title, and having his heart set on joining Real Madrid one day may have played a role in that.We highlight Mbappé's potential role in his transfer rumors over the years and how he may have traded being loved unconditionally at PSG for the level of control he desired to get to where he always wanted to go.The show concludes with us talking about PSG's future and why the goal has to be to build the best sporting project possible around Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, and PSG's other rising stars. If the club can do that, they may just win a Champions League title before Mbappé.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

It's been a difficult week for Paris Saint-Germain supporters. The club came up short of the UEFA Champions League final, and a superstar for the future may not want to rejoin the club.On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Zacha from the PSG Talk Discord server to discuss the 1-0 loss to Dortmund. We also look ahead to PSG's future and discuss the latest Xavi Simons news.Note: This episode was recorded before Kylian Mbappé announced that he would be leaving PSG at the end of the season.Up first is the result against Dortmund. It was a frustrating night at the Parc des Princes. There was so much hope and belief that the club could overturn the one-goal loss in the first leg, but it wasn't meant to be. PSG recorded 30 shots, four of which hit the goal post, and failed to capitalize on numerous chances. We discuss whether there was anything Luis Enrique could have done and whether Kylian Mbappé's off-the-pitch drama impacted him in the tie.We then look forward to how PSG can improve ahead of next season. Mbappé's departure means PSG will have to find attacking options to replace his offensive output of 40 goals per season. There's also a need for a starting midfielder and PSG's defense needs significant strengthening with the knee injury to Lucas Hernández that will keep him out for six or more months.The show concludes with a discussion about Xavi Simons, who is reportedly not interested in returning to PSG once his loan at RB Leipzig expires. The 21-year-old is under contract with PSG until 2027, and if he's transferred to another club before 2025, PSV Eindhoven will receive a significant portion. It's a difficult situation for PSG to navigate and we discuss the likely outcomes.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

After a poor showing away at Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain must once again dig deep and come from behind to advance to the final.On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Ethan from PSG Fan Club Boise to discuss PSG's 1-0 loss to Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park. We break down the game's only goal, Luis Enrique's lineup, Kylian Mbappé's performance, and much more.We begin with the rhetorical question of whether or not PSG realizes they're in the semi-finals of the Champions League and what an incredible opportunity they have ahead of them. The performance against Dortmund left much to be desired, and very few PSG players stood out on the night. We discuss Dortmund's defensive tactics and what may have gone wrong for PSG's goalscorers.Mbappé is the unquestioned leader for PSG, but against Dortmund, he was only held to three total shots. The Frenchman didn't step up like so many expected him to, and we debate whether Luis Enrique should move him out to the left wing and move Gonçalo Ramos into the striker role. We also discuss other potential changes the manager could make, including replacing Fabian Ruiz with Manuel Ugarte or Kang-In Lee.Dortmund's goal in the 36th minute by Niclas Füllkrug was a thing of beauty. Nico Schlotterbeck played a long pass over the PSG defense from the Dortmund side of the pitch, and Füllkrug was able to stay onside, control the pass, and finish with power and precision. We discuss the goal in detail, including Ruiz's poor effort in tracking back.Lucas Hernández was the lone defender who was almost able to block the shot on goal from Füllkrug, but as he did, he tore his ACL and is now out for six-to-seven months. We discuss that heartbreaking news and how Luis Enrique will replace him in the starting lineup.We then transition to the return leg at the Parc des Princes on May 7. Despite the loss in the first leg, many supporters remain positive. We try to predict what changes Luis Enrique will make both in the starting lineup and tactically. We also talk about the importance of PSG getting an early goal, whether Mbappé could position himself for his first Ballon d'Or by reaching the Champions League final, and we give our final prediction for the return leg.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

Paris Saint-Germain entered Saturday's match against Le Havre ready to celebrate a Ligue 1 title with a win, but the visitors had other ideas and spoiled the party at the Parc des Princes.On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Ethan from PSG Fan Club Boise to discuss PSG's come-from-behind draw against Le Havre, Warren Zaïre-Emery's big news, and we look ahead to next week's UEFA Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund.We begin with the news that before kickoff against Le Havre, Zaïre-Emery was presented with a kit with "2029" on the back, signaling a five-year contract extension for the 18-year-old. We discuss the Frenchman's importance in the soon-to-be post-Kylian Mbappé-era and whether he will captain PSG next season.Next, we dive into the 3-3 draw against Le Havre. A win would have seen PSG clinch its 12 Ligue 1 title in club history, but sloppy defensive play from PSG allowed a determined Le Havre side to score three goals and force Luis Enrique's squad to score two late goals to squeak out a draw. We discuss what we liked in the match, including Gonçalo Ramos' header and assist, and the fact there were no injuries. We also break down what we didn't like in the match, like the forgettable performance from Randal Kolo Muani and the poor defensive effort.The second half of the show is all about the first leg of PSG's semi-final tie against Dortmund in the Champions League. We discuss Dortmund's recent result, a potential injury to a key player, and what lineup changes Luis Enrique may make for that match. While Ethan believes PSG should be a little on the cautious side and play Manuel Ugarte for extra defensive help in the midfield, I believe PSG should flex their offensive muscle and attack Dortmund on the road and try to put the tie out of reach as quickly as possible.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

After years of coming up short in the UEFA Champions League and suffering some of the most painful defeats the game has ever seen, Paris Saint-Germain finally delivered on the big stage to reach the semi-finals.On this episode of PSG Talking, I recap PSG's come-from-behind win over FC Barcelona. From Luis Enrique's starting lineup, to a controversial referee decision, to Kylian Mbappé's performance, I cover all the major incidents over the 90 minutes.I begin with PSG's starting lineup, which featured an all-French front three of Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Bradley Barcola. After the first match where fitness issues and suspensions for Luis Enrique to adjust his lineup, the manager bounced back and played the ideal starting XI.Next, I address Ronald Araújo's red card after taking down Barcola as he sprinted toward Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Did the referee make the right decision, or does Xavi and Barcelona supporters have a fair argument?After the sending-off, Dembélé took advantage and converted a Barcola cross for his second goal of the tie. I talk about his performance and how important his goal before halftime was for Les Parisiens.In the second half, PSG continued the offensive onslaught, and Vitinha eventually got on the scoresheet with a blast from distance. I discuss his performance and why you could make the argument that behind Mbappé, he's been PSG's most important player this season.With the tie level on aggregate, it was time for Mbappé to take over and get PSG across the finish line. I talk about his two goals to put PSG comfortably in the lead. Could the Frenchman be thinking twice about leaving for Real Madrid?After the final whistle, PSG celebrated in front of the traveling supporters. I discuss how proud I am of the team's performance and look ahead to the semi-final tie against Borussia Dortmund.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

Paris Saint-Germain faces an uphill battle in their tie against FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, but there is hope for Les Parisiens to pull off a la Remontada of their own in the rematch.On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined once again by Dan Hilton of The Barcelona Podcast to recap the 3-2 defeat to Barcelona and look ahead to next week's second leg. PSG supporter, Drew, also joins the show to give his thoughts on the tie and both give us a prediction of who they think will advance to the semi-final.First, Dan shares his thoughts on how well Barcelona played and how tactically they kept Kylian Mbappé from doing any damage over 90 minutes. We also discuss how Barcelona managed to limit their mistakes and take advantage of PSG's questionable starting lineup. We also preview the return leg, and Dan shares his level of concern going against what should be an improved PSG with Achraf Hakimi returning to the starting lineup.Next, Drew comes on the show to also recap the defeat at the Parc des Princes. We discuss how Gianluigi Donnarumma's abysmal performance, Ousmane Dembélé's goal celebration, and the positives that came out of the defeat. We also look at the season as a whole and whether it's been a success for PSG should they bow out of the Champions League next week.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

One of the best European rivalries will be renewed on Wednesday at the Parc des Princes when Paris Saint-Germain host FC Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.On this episode of PSG Talking, I preview the first leg of PSG's clash against Barcelona with the help of Dan Hilton from The Barcelona Podcast and Jonathan Johnson from CBS Sports. We discuss every angle of the highly-anticipated rematch from 2021 and Johnson also updates us on the latest transfer news involving PSG.Up first is my interview with Dan and we begin with Barcelona's finances and whether their fans expected the club to reach this stage of the Champions League. We then pivot to Barcelona's recent results, form, and key injuries.We know Kylian Mbappé will be a major focal point for Xavi, Barcelona's manager, and I ask Dan how he thinks the Catalan club will slow down the French superstar and whether he is looking forward to facing him next season when Mbappé likely makes the move to Real Madrid.I wrap up the interview with Dan by asking him about Xavi Simons, who began his career in the Barcelona academy before making the move to PSG, and his prediction for the first leg of the tie.Next is my interview with Jonathan Johnson and I begin with the PSG and Barcelona rivalry and where it ranks among matchups that occur in the Champions League. I also ask JJ about the one Barcelona player that PSG must shut down to be successful and who for PSG, besides Mbappé, needs to have a standout performance.Johnson gives us his prediction for the match before switching to transfer talk. I asked about Jules Koundé's future and whether PSG could sign the Barcelona defender this summer. I also ask Johnson whether Arsenal FC was a realistic landing spot for Xavi Simons, the latest on Leny Yoro, and an under-the-radar Ligue 1 player that PSG should target this summer.The interview with Johnson concludes with his thoughts on Real Madrid's stance on not allowing Mbappé to play in the Summer Olympics with France and the impact that may have on the relationship between the two sides.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

Ligue 1 returned from the international break with the marquee fixture of the season, Paris Saint-Germain at Olympique de Marseille, and as usual, there were plenty of fireworks.On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Ethan from PSG Fan Club Boise and long-time contributor Marc Damon to discuss PSG's 2-0 win over Marseille at the Orange Vélodrome. We also look ahead to Wednesday's clash against Stade Rennais in the Coupe de France and discuss the lead-up to the match against FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.We begin with Luis Enrique's starting lineup. Considering the injuries, did PSG play its best starting lineup possible? We also discuss Ousmane Dembélé's role as a false nine.Late in the first half, Lucas Beraldo was sent off with a straight red after VAR took a closer look at his challenge on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. We discuss the incident and the referee who made the questionable decision.To start the second half, Luis Enrique took off Randal Kolo Muani and whether the Frenchman has a long-term future at PSG.Vitinha opened up the scoring in the 53rd minute with a brilliant run and a perfectly placed shot. Vitinha has consistently shown up when PSG needs him most throughout the season, and it was no different against Marseille. We highlight his performance and what he's meant for PSG this season.In the 65th minute, there was more controversy as Kylian Mbappé was subbed off along with Dembélé. Both players left the pitch and went to the dressing room, but Mbappé, in particular, didn't look pleased with the decision. We discuss why Luis Enrique took off Mbappé and what it could mean for the rest of the season.We wrap up Le Classique by discussing Gonçalo Ramos' goal, whether he'll stay at PSG beyond this season, and Gianluigi Donnarumma's incredible performance, in which he made 10 saves.The show concludes with us previewing the match against Rennes this week in the semi-final of the Coupe de France and whether PSG is in a better position, having two more games to play than Barcelona before the two meet at the Parc des Princes on April 10.As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

The players are away on international duty, so that gives us plenty of time to overanalyze the latest Paris Saint-Germain news making headlines.On this episode of PSG Talking, I break down the latest news, including a significant injury to one of PSG's best-attacking players, comments from Kylian Mbappé about his future, and a transfer boost to one of the best young center-backs in Europe.Jonathan Johnson from CBS Sports also joins the show to discuss his thoughts on PSG's quarter-final tie against FC Barcelona in the Champions League and some of the latest transfer news.I start with the unfortunate injury news of Bradley Barcola, who went down with a hamstring injury while representing France U23 in a friendly against the Ivory Coast. It's estimated the young Frenchman could be sidelined for 10 days and could potentially miss the clash against Barcelona. I discuss who could replace him in the starting lineup over the next couple of weeks.Next, I discuss Mbappé's comments about his future, where he essentially said there is no news and nothing to announce. With his ongoing tug-of-war with Real Madrid regarding his desire to play in the Olympics in Paris this summer and the club's stance that they will not release him, could this open the door for PSG to try and convince him to stay?Leny Yoro is one of the most highly sought-after talents in Europe, but with Real Madrid continuing negotiations with Mbappé and FC Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies, PSG may be in the lead to sign the Lille OSC defender. I talk about PSG's need for a defender like Yoro and why he needs to be the first signing of the summer.I wrap up my portion of the podcast with a preview of PSG's upcoming fixture against Olympique de Marseille. I discuss the importance of a solid performance in front of a hostile crowd and how that will benefit PSG as they prepare to travel to the Camp Nou later this season with a chance to advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League on the line.The show concludes with Jonathan Johnson sharing his thoughts on potential PSG transfer targets, Luis Díaz and Johan Bakayoko. He also gives his opinion if would be a mistake to allow Gonçalo Ramos to leave the club and if Achraf Hakimi may also leave to Real Madrid. He also gives his thoughts on the tie against Barcelona and if Ousmane Dembélé will play with a chip on his shoulder against his former club.As...

After years of receiving the most difficult of draws in the UEFA Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain finally received a bit of luck. Now, what was once thought to be a rebuilding season has suddenly turned into one with massive expectations.On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Ethan from PSG Fan Club Boise to react to the draw of the Champions League quarter-finals, where Les Parisiens will face off against FC Barcelona.We start the show by sharing our initial reaction to PSG drawing Barcelona and we reference the recent history between the two sides that has led to some bad blood.Next, we take a step back and look at the quarter-final matchups as a whole. With Real Madrid, Manchester City, Arsenal FC, and Bayern Munich FC all on one side of the bracket, should PSG supporters adjust their expectations for this season?When PSG and Barcelona walk out on the pitch together, it will be an emotional moment for Ousmane Dembélé and Luis Enrique who have ties to the Catalan club. Kylian Mbappé will also be taking on his soon-to-be rivals as he's expected to join Real Madrid next season. With that in mind, we share our top storylines that will dominate headlines leading up to the first match on April 10, at the Parc des Princes.The show concludes with a discussion about the biggest concerns for PSG, including Achraf Hakimi's suspension in the first leg, and we finish the sentence, "PSG will advance past Barcelona if..."As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.