Messi's extraordinary performance overshadowed PSG's shortcomings.

Có thể mờ nhạt cả trận, hoặc thi đấu không quá ấn tượng, nhưng chỉ cần một khoảnh khắc tỏa sáng để chiếm trọn trang nhất những tờ báo sáng hôm sau. Đó là đặc quyền của cầu thủ hàng đầu như Lionel Messi hay Cristiano Ronaldo.

Early this morning (October 20th), PSG had another poor performance against RB Leipzig, but Messi's brilliance overshadowed all the problems of the French team.

PSG phòng ngự kém cỏi

PSG are considered the top contender for the Champions League title this season thanks to a perfect summer transfer window. Not only are they superior in terms of class and reputation, but the stars PSG have brought in also fit together well in terms of playing positions.

Of PSG's five new signings, three are defenders: one goalkeeper (Gianluigi Donnarumma), one center-back (Sergio Ramos), and one full-back (Achraf Hakimi).

The Champions League is the ultimate goal for PSG. Any team aiming for this tournament needs a solid defense before even thinking about a strong attack. Bayern Munich (2020) and Chelsea (2021) are the most recent champions. Both teams share the commonality of conceding the fewest goals in the competition.

Thomas Tuchel's PSG also reached the 2019/2020 Champions League final thanks to a solid defense, conceding only 4 goals from the round of 16 onwards. PSG's owners and coach Mauricio Pochettino understand the importance of defense, as demonstrated in their transfer policy.

Tuy nhiên, đội bóng Pháp chưa thể có bức tường vững chãi. Sau 3 trận ở Champions League, PSG tung ra 27 cú sút, trung bình 9 lần/trận, song họ để đối phương sút tới 52 lần, trung bình hơn 17 lần/trận. PSG giành 7 điểm (2 thắng 1 hòa), nhưng ở cả 3 trận này, đội bóng của Pochettino đều sút ít hơn đối thủ.

Without the talent of their goalkeepers and a bit of luck, PSG might not be at the top of the table right now.

Video: PSG 3-2 Leipzig

Trong chiến thắng 3-2 trước RB Leipzig đêm qua, PSG để đối thủ sút tới 18 lần về cầu môn của Keylor Navas. Đại diện Ligue 1 thủng lưới từ những pha dàn xếp tấn công tương đối đơn giản. Hai cánh dâng cao, bỏ lọt hậu vệ trái Angelino, rồi đối phương dễ dàng đưa bóng vào trong cho tiền đạo ghi bàn.

Those were unacceptable goals conceded for a title contender. However, anyone who follows PSG in Ligue 1 knows that conceding goals like that is... normal for PSG.

In their last five matches, PSG conceded five goals against weaker opponents. Metz, Rennes, Angers,... teams whose combined value is equivalent to a year's salary for Neymar and Messi, were still able to trouble PSG's defense.

Đây là mặt trái của đội bóng toàn sao. HLV Pochettino muốn xây dựng một PSG tấn công quyến rũ, và để tận dụng hết khả năng sáng tạo của các siêu sao như Messi, Neymar hay Kylian Mbappe, đội bóng nước Pháp phải hy sinh. 2 hậu vệ biên dâng lên cao hơn, các tiền vệ trung tâm chuyền mạo hiểm hơn. Khi ấy, hàng thủ sẽ mỏng hơn.

Nhìn lại hai nhà vô địch Champions League gần nhất, dễ thấy không nhất thiết phải đánh đổi phòng ngự lấy tấn công. Bayern Munich toàn thắng 10 trận ở mùa 2019/2020, nhưng họ có kết cấu đội hình vững vàng, lối chơi uyển chuyển, nhuần nhuyễn được nhào nặn trong nhiều năm.

Chelsea are also well-rounded in both attack and defense, but Tuchel's team has forwards who are diligent in pressing and dropping back to support the defense, so the team's structure is always well-maintained.

PSG lacks these elements. Coach Pochettino hasn't had enough time to build a cohesive playing style. The PSG squad also lacks the cohesion and balance of Chelsea or Bayern, making it difficult for both attack and defense to work well together.

Furthermore, PSG's new signings such as Ramos (injured), Donnarumma (a substitute), and Hakimi (better at attacking than defending) have not contributed much to the defensive aspect of the game.

Messi and Mbappe do it all?

Therefore, PSG needs the brilliance of Messi and Mbappe to fill the void. This morning, Messi scored a brace, while Mbappe contributed one goal and one assist.

The French striker ceded the penalty kick to Messi midway through the second half. Then, in injury time, Messi missed the chance to score his first hat-trick with PSG, giving the penalty to Mbappe instead.

It's a beautiful story between attacking stars, glamorous enough to enhance PSG's brand or generate blockbuster headlines for the press.

Sitting in the stands, President Nasser Al-Khelaifi and CEO Leonardo were probably very pleased. PSG rejected Real Madrid's €180 million offer, determined to keep Mbappe, all in anticipation of this moment: a world football legend playing in perfect harmony with France's number one football talent.

Thêm Neymar trở lại, PSG sẽ như Real Madrid đầu những năm 2000. Đó là chiếc xe Bentley hào nhoáng với lớp vỏ được dát vàng.

However, a gold-plated car is only aesthetically pleasing. To compete, it needs a top-notch engine. The "engine" that PSG lacks is the ability to move the ball at high speed, withstand pressure, and a playing style that doesn't need to be overly beautiful but must be balanced and effective.

Coach Pochettino needs more time. As he builds his own structure, Messi's brilliance is a necessary condition to ease the burden on the coaching staff. However, look at Cristiano Ronaldo and Man Utd. The superstar's brilliance is merely an anesthetic, helping the team temporarily alleviate the pain.

When the medication wears off, the pain will return, much more intense and excruciating.