A few hours before welcoming Paris Saint-Germain to the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre Mauroy, Le Petit Lillo went to meet Alexandre (@AlexDS78), a club fan from the capital.
Can you first tell us more about the media you created: Julaco_TV
It is the media that mainly talks about Portuguese football. Every week we discuss Portuguese football news but not only that, we also talk about players, coaches, sports management, clubs and of course the national team. The aim is to promote Portuguese football in France.
Paris Saint-Germain is currently at the top of the championship. What can you tell us about the first part of the season with the Parisian team?
Obviously there is something to be satisfied with: everything is not perfect, but there is that first place of course, and above all there are very few matches in which we get bored. When you can combine results with content, you will naturally feel satisfied. We started the season with a new coach and eleven new players. So there is a lot of room for advancement, and it makes you want to plan for the future.
Last year, PSG were coached by Galthier (formerly LOSC) and had a squad built around their stars. Today, some of them are gone, while Luis Enrique takes over. What really changed in your opinion in the Parisian match?
Today, there is more collective control. There is no longer a simple group of individuals, but a real collective. Of course, players like Mbappé and Dembélé can make the difference at any time, but this remains with the aim of achieving victory for the team. Individually, I think we are less powerful. Players like Messi, Neymar and Verratti are impossible to replace. But on the collective level, in terms of controlling the game and controlling the ball, I find that we are better than the previous season.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Paris Saint-Germain?
It is clear that the forces lie in the ball. There is Luis Enrique’s obsession with controlling the game, which still needs improvement but is showing positive signs. The right side is also a big strength, with the duo of Dembele and Hakimi working very well. Dembélé occupies the wing and is great in one-on-one situations, while Hakimi is positioned in the right half space and often gets in behind the defence, which he works very well. Counter-pressing is also one of our strengths. Now we react very quickly to losing the ball.
In terms of weaknesses, I think we often target PSG centre-backs who do not guarantee any security. I also find that we quickly find ourselves in difficulty when the opposing team is pressing us high and intense. Paris Saint-Germain sometimes experiences sluggish periods during matches, and this needs to be corrected quickly. We have to have more control in our game.
How do you plan for the next match against LOSC? What do you expect from this meeting?
I’m so excited because it looks exciting. Both teams will try to control the ball and impose their style of play, which promises to be a great spectacle. It is also a confrontation between two coaches with almost similar playing ideas, which adds an interesting tactical dimension. So we can expect a good match at all levels. Teams will likely look to use intense pressing to win the ball back quickly and build fluid and innovative attacks.
What do you remember from last year’s doubleheader?
For the first game, I find that the score doesn’t really reflect the progress I’ve made. I remember it was LOSC that caused us a lot of problems, but PSG, in addition to putting in an impressive performance, were very realistic. I think the goal scored from the kick-off completely changed the situation.
For the second leg, I think we all remember how PSG struggled. That free kick that Messi took in the final moments of the match… Lille had one of their best games of the season, at least in my opinion.
What is your perception of LOSC this season?
It is interesting to note the development in LOSC this season. At first, I found them less fun to watch, but since then, they have returned to their style of play with solid defence. The central pivot formed by Euro and Alexandro proved to be a pleasant surprise, as did Thiago Santos, a more attacking style that Paulo Fonseca was able to adapt to.
The midfield combination of Benjamin Andre and Nabil Bentaleb is complementary and brings great athleticism. They are versatile and can do anything. I can go on like this for a long time. However, if LOSC is a strong team, it still lacks realism in front of goal, which was already a problem in the previous season.
Are you skeptical about a particular Mastiff?
naturally. I immediately think of Idun Zegrova who is currently in good form and playing a key role in LOSC’s performance. His skill in one-on-one situations is impressive and he often manages to make the difference. His ability to easily get into the middle with his left foot to shoot or cross is also an advantage that makes him dangerous for opposition defences. The kind of player who often achieves the same thing, but succeeds every time.
I also want to mention the importance of the right lane for a LOSC team (like PSG), with the excellent complementarity between Zegrova and Thiago Santos. This link-up allows LOSC to create chances wide and unbalance opposition defences. Obviously, the relationship between these two players is a strong point. Since it’s hard to choose, I’d also mention Angel Gomes and Lucas Chevalier, two important pieces for Lille.
Finally, what are your expectations?
I hope I’m wrong, but I see a tie with goals like 2/2. As for the course of the match, as we explained in more detail previously, I think we will see a wonderful scene. Anyway, I hope so for us!
