Paris Saint-Germain’s Challenge: Can They Break Their Champions League Curse in the New Season?

Introduction

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has long been a dominant force in French football, consistently winning Ligue 1 titles and domestic cups. However, despite their domestic success and their immense financial backing from Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), PSG has struggled to establish themselves as a true powerhouse in Europe’s most prestigious club competition: the UEFA Champions League. The club has spent heavily on star players like Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi, and yet, year after year, they have failed to break their Champions League curse.

PSG’s Champions League history has been filled with near-misses, dramatic exits, and heartbreak. From falling to Barcelona in the infamous 2017 comeback to narrowly losing out in the final to Bayern Munich in 2020, the Parisians have often appeared on the brink of European glory, only to falter at key moments. As the new season approaches, the question remains: Can PSG finally overcome their Champions League barrier and break through to the summit of European football?

This article will explore the factors contributing to PSG’s Champions League struggles, the club’s current squad, and whether they have the right mix of talent, experience, and tactical discipline to make a serious challenge for the coveted European trophy in the upcoming season.

Chapter 1: PSG’s Champions League Heartbreaks – A Tale of Near Misses

To understand PSG’s continued struggle in the Champions League, it’s essential to review the key moments of heartbreak that have plagued the club in recent years. Despite being one of the wealthiest and most star-studded teams in the world, PSG has continually fallen short in their quest for European glory. Some of the most infamous moments include:

2017 – The Historic Collapse Against Barcelona: Perhaps the most iconic and painful moment in PSG’s Champions League history came in 2017, when they were eliminated by Barcelona in the Round of 16 after holding a commanding 4-0 lead in the first leg. Barcelona completed a miraculous comeback in the second leg, winning 6-1 at the Camp Nou and advancing on away goals. This devastating loss marked a turning point for the club, exposing the fragility of PSG in high-pressure situations.
2020 – The Narrow Loss to Bayern Munich in the Final: In 2020, PSG reached their first-ever Champions League final under manager Thomas Tuchel, where they faced Bayern Munich. Despite a strong performance throughout the tournament, PSG were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Bayern in the final, with a late goal from Kingsley Coman proving to be the difference. While the team’s progress to the final was a step forward, the loss left the club once again questioning their ability to cross the final hurdle.
2021 – A Close Exit Against Manchester City: In 2021, PSG made it to the semi-finals, facing Manchester City, who were in scintillating form. After a 2-1 first-leg lead, PSG were outplayed in the second leg at the Etihad, eventually losing 4-1 on aggregate. Despite the presence of Neymar and Mbappé, PSG could not withstand the tactical brilliance of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, and their European dreams were shattered once more.

These and other near-misses highlight a consistent pattern of PSG coming close but failing to deliver when it matters most. This chapter will explore these key moments in more detail, examining the causes of PSG’s Champions League failures and the lessons the club has (or has not) learned from them.

Chapter 2: The Current Squad – Star Power and Tactical Balance

PSG’s squad for the new season remains filled with world-class talent, which makes their failure to win the Champions League all the more puzzling. The club has arguably one of the most talented attacking trios in world football, with Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi forming an offensive powerhouse. In addition, they boast solid defensive players such as Marquinhos, Sergio Ramos, and Achraf Hakimi, as well as one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Gianluigi Donnarumma.

However, while the star power is undeniable, PSG has often been criticized for lacking balance, particularly in midfield and defense. Their attacking trio, although brilliant individually, has not always clicked together in the way many had hoped. Moreover, the team has sometimes been exposed defensively, especially in high-pressure European matches. Injuries have also plagued key players, disrupting the team’s continuity.

This chapter will provide a detailed analysis of PSG’s current squad, focusing on the following key aspects:

The Front Three: Neymar, Mbappé, and Messi – Can the attacking trio finally gel to deliver in the big moments?
Midfield: The Engine Room – Does the team have enough quality and depth in midfield, particularly with players like Marco Verratti and Leandro Paredes? Can they control games and provide the necessary stability?
Defense and Goalkeeping – Can PSG’s defense, led by Marquinhos and Sergio Ramos, withstand the pressures of the Champions League knockout stages? How reliable is Donnarumma in high-pressure moments?
Injuries and Squad Depth – The fitness of key players like Neymar, Messi, and Mbappé will be crucial to PSG’s success in the Champions League. How deep is the squad, and how well can the team cope with injuries and suspensions?

Chapter 3: Managerial Influence – Mauricio Pochettino and the Tactical Blueprint

One of the most significant factors in PSG’s Champions League struggles has been their managerial changes and tactical approach. Under Mauricio Pochettino, the team has seen a marked improvement in defensive organization and discipline, but questions remain about the coach’s ability to deliver in the high-stakes knockout stages of the Champions League.

Pochettino is known for his tactical flexibility, focusing on high pressing, intense ball movement, and creating an overall team-oriented approach. However, PSG’s emphasis on individual brilliance, particularly from players like Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé, sometimes undermines the collective team strategy. There is a persistent question about whether PSG can be as cohesive and disciplined as other top European clubs, such as Bayern Munich, Manchester City, or Liverpool, who combine tactical brilliance with individual skill.

This chapter will assess Pochettino’s tactical philosophy and his approach to European competition. Key questions will include:

Can Pochettino instill a winning mentality in PSG’s squad?
Does the manager have the tactical nous to outwit Europe’s best in the knockout stages?
How can Pochettino balance the demands of domestic success with the pursuit of Champions League glory?

Chapter 4: The Mentality Factor – Can PSG Overcome Their Psychological Barriers?

While PSG’s squad is filled with talent, their repeated failures in the Champions League have often been linked to mental fragility, particularly in critical moments. The psychological pressure of playing for a club like PSG, with their vast financial backing and the weight of expectation to win, has proven to be a challenge for many players, even those with vast experience.

The infamous collapses against Barcelona and Manchester United, for example, have been partly attributed to a lack of mental resilience when faced with high-pressure situations. When things have gone wrong, PSG has often struggled to regroup and maintain focus. In contrast, clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have consistently shown the ability to thrive in these intense moments, with their mental toughness being a key factor in their Champions League successes.

This chapter will explore the psychological factors at play, including:

The Pressure of Expectations: Does PSG’s immense financial power create unrealistic expectations that hinder the players’ performances?
Mental Resilience in Big Matches: Can PSG learn to handle pressure in the knockout stages of the Champions League? How will they handle adversity in high-stakes games?
Leadership: Does the team have strong leaders who can guide them through difficult moments, especially in the absence of Thiago Silva and other previous leaders?

Chapter 5: PSG’s European Rivals – The Competition in the Champions League

To assess PSG’s chances of breaking their Champions League curse, it’s essential to look at their competition. Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool are just a few of the clubs that will provide fierce opposition in the 2022-2023 Champions League campaign. These teams have not only shown consistency in Europe but also possess a blend of experience and tactical discipline that PSG has often lacked.

In this chapter, we will analyze PSG’s main rivals in the competition, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and comparing them with PSG’s own attributes. The key questions will include:

How do PSG stack up against Europe’s elite?
Can PSG overcome the tactical brilliance of Guardiola’s Manchester City or the defensive solidity of Bayern Munich?
What lessons can PSG learn from their past failures against these top teams?

Chapter 6: Can PSG Finally Break Their Champions League Curse?

The pivotal question remains: Can PSG finally break their Champions League curse in the new season? The club has assembled an incredibly talented squad, and under the guidance of Pochettino, they have the potential to challenge for the trophy. However, to win the Champions League, they will need to overcome several key hurdles:

Tactical discipline and balance: Ensuring the team plays as a cohesive unit rather than relying solely on individual brilliance.
Mental resilience: Learning to handle pressure in the big moments and not succumbing to the weight of expectations.
Squad depth and fitness: Ensuring key players stay fit and maintain peak performance throughout the knockout stages.

If PSG can overcome these challenges, they have the talent to go all the way. However, breaking through the mental and tactical barriers that have held them back in previous seasons will be crucial.

Conclusion: A New Era or More Heartbreak?

As the 2022-2023 Champions League season approaches, PSG’s ambitions are clear: to win Europe’s most coveted club competition. With a squad packed with world-class talent, a capable manager in Mauricio Pochettino, and a history of near-misses, the challenge for PSG is no longer just about reaching the latter stages but about crossing the finish line and lifting the trophy.

The road to Champions League glory is filled with obstacles, but PSG’s challenge will be to overcome their psychological barriers, tactical shortcomings, and fierce competition from Europe’s top clubs. Whether they can finally break their Champions League curse remains to be seen, but if any team has the potential to achieve it, PSG is certainly in the mix.

In the end, it will be up to the players, the coach, and the entire PSG organization to prove that they have the mental fortitude and tactical discipline to claim the European crown. The question is: will the new season be the one where PSG finally conquer Europe, or will they be left with more heartbreak and disappointment? Only time will tell.