Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) faced Le Havre in a recent Ligue 1 clash, and the match was filled with interesting storylines. Nuno Mendes made his return to the squad after recovering from an injury, a welcome boost for the Parisian side.
However, key players like Achraf Hakimi, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué were still unavailable due to their respective injuries. Their absence forced coach Luis Enrique to shuffle his lineup and make some unexpected choices.
Enrique's Bold Decisions
Luis Enrique surprised many by resting several regular starters, including Pacho, Kvitcha Kvaratskhelia, and even Marquinhos, who was on the verge of his 500th appearance for the club. This decision highlighted Enrique's focus on managing the squad's fitness ahead of a crucial Champions League match against Tottenham.
The starting eleven saw a completely revamped defense, with Zaïre-Emery at right-back, Zabarnyi and Beraldo in central defense, and Lucas Hernandez on the left. Vitinha captained the team in midfield, alongside João Neves and Senny Mayulu. The attack featured a youthful trio of Barcola, Ramos, and Lee.
Key Takeaways
- Nuno Mendes' return is a positive sign for PSG.
- Injuries to Hakimi, Dembélé, and Doué continue to be a concern.
- Luis Enrique is willing to rotate his squad to manage player fatigue.
- Young players are getting opportunities to prove themselves.
PSG's match against Le Havre showcased the depth of their squad and Luis Enrique's tactical flexibility. While the absence of key players was felt, the team managed to adapt and secure a positive result.