In the 2022/23 season, the most expensive offensive trio in the world, Lionel Messi (37), Neymar (32) and Kylian Mbappé (25), played at Paris St.-Germain. The Sheikh Club’s entire squad was worth around one billion euros at the time.
Two years later, many things are different in Paris. With Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid, the last of the three superstars is also gone. Instead, PSG is now relying more on youth than on big names. The star should be the team. Also on Tuesday evening at FC Bayern (9 p.m./Amazon and in BILD live ticker).
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“I think we didn’t see one star today, but 16 stars who fought for the colors of PSG,” coach Luis Enrique (54) answered the doubters after the exhilarating 6-0 win against Montpellier on matchday 2 – and Mbappé, who was often tired of defending, indirectly gave another message: “16 stars on the offensive, 16 stars on the defense. That’s how perfection works.”
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Even without superstars, the Enrique team marches confidently through the French Ligue 1 and, with ten wins from twelve games, has gained a six-point lead at the top of the table. By the way: PSG had exactly the same result two years ago with Mbappé, Neymar and Messi. In the Champions League The “new PSG”, on the other hand, has so far been paying the lesson.
Most recently there was a 1-2 home defeat against Atlético Madrid, despite a 1-0 lead and a clear increase in all statistics. PSG were also clearly the better team at home against Eindhoven, but they couldn’t get more than a 1-1 draw. Previously there was a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal and the 1-0 opening win against Girona. After four match days, the French are only in 25th place in the new XXL table of the premier class – that would mean an early exit.
video-heading">Spectacular forecast on TV “I’m making a decision: HE will be the new HSV coach!”
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But be careful, Bavaria! The playful achievements of the PSG young stars should not be underestimated, their potential is actually quite great. Despite their young age, top talents such as Warren Zaire-Emery (18/60 million market value), Joao Neves (20/60 million) and Bradley Barcola (22/65 million) are among the absolute top performers. As the most valuable professionals, they ensure that PSG again has a squad value of almost 900 million, even without Mbappé.
But it’s also easy to see what’s still missing on the biggest European stage from French star Barcola: the winger has already scored ten times in twelve league games and has so far failed to score in four games in the Champions League.
Now Bayern are waiting, for whom the PSG game is the start of a week of truth. Sports director Max Eberl speaks of a “highlight game” and a “first celebration” in the Allianz Arena before they then face Borussia Dortmund away in the league and Bayer Leverkusen at home in the DFB Cup.
**Has PSG’s shift towards young talent truly addressed the underlying issues that hampered their Champions League success in the era of “Galacticos”? Or are they merely trading one set of challenges for another?**
## PSG: Gone are the Galacticos, Enter the Young Blood?
**Welcome to World-Today-News interview session! Today, we dive deep into the fascinating transformation of Paris Saint-Germain, a club once synonymous with extravagant spending on star players. Now amidst a generation shift, they’re seeking victories with a fresh, young core. Let’s explore this evolution with our distinguished guests, renowned football analyst, Alex “Ace” Jackson, and Parisian sports journalist, Pierre Dubois. Welcome both of you!**
**I. The End of an Era:**
* Alex, PSG’s three-pronged attack of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé was dubbed the most expensive in history. Considering their financial prowess, what ultimately led to the dismantling of this super trio?
* Pierre, how was the departure of Mbappé, the final piece of that puzzle, perceived by Parisians and the French footballing world in general? Was there sadness, relief, or a mix of both?
**II. The Rise of the Next Generation:**
* Alex, most observers point to PSG’s focus on youth as a potential recipe for future success. Do you see these young talents possessing the skill and maturity to fill the huge void left by the superstars?
* Pierre, you’ve been closely following PSG’s trajectory. Are these young stars proving themselves in Ligue 1? How do they seem to be adapting to the high-pressure demands of the Champions League?
**III. Culinary Techniques: Star Field vs. Team Mindset:**
* Alex, historically, star-studded teams often face challenges with chemistry and ego management. Is PSG embracing a philosophy shift under Luis Enrique, prioritizing teamwork and a less disproportionate reliance on individual brilliance?
* Pierre, has there been a tangible change in the atmosphere around PSG since the arrival of Enrique? Are the players buying into this new approach, or are there old habits lingering?
**IV. Champions League Conundrum:**
* Alex, despite their success domestically, PSG has yet to translate that dominance into consistent Champions League success. Can this new, younger squad defy these historical struggles, or are they destined to face similar challenges?
* Pierre, with Bayern Munich looming as a formidable opponent, how confident are Parisians about PSG’s chances not only in this specific match but in the Champions League overall?
**V. Looking Ahead: A Brave New Face?**
* Alex, looking ahead, how do you envision PSG’s future? Will they continue to invest in young talent or will they return to galactico-hunting in the transfer market?
* Pierre, what do you say is the biggest test facing PSG on their current path? Can they build a sustainable, championship-winning dynasty through this new model?
**Thank you both, Alex and Pierre, for sharing your insightful perspectives. This certamente has been a fascinating discussion, offering a glimpse into the future of PSG – a club on the cusp of reinvention.**
