The Transformation of PSG

A stunning, disciplined performance from 10 man PSG ensured a confident victory over Chelsea in the Champions League last 16. The game was not without its controversial moments, including the red card to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and a penalty shout for Diego Costa in the first half. However, the thing I found most commendable was the transformation that has taken place since the New Year.

Before Christmas, rumours of a fractured dressing room in the French capital appeared, with strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani in the thick of it. A disagreement between the pair saw, queries over the future of Cavani at the club and the future of Laurent Blanc as manager. I remember seeing one clip in particular where Ibra was in a 2 on 1 with Cavani against a defender with a simple pass to the side would have allowed Cavani to have an unchallenged shot at goal, instead, he didn't pass and the move broke down. The look of disgust on the Uruguayan's face was unforgettable.

It is worth noting that the Parisians did not lose a game until the Champions League away match against Barcelona in December and the next loss followed suit against Guingamp 4 days later. However numerous draws halted their climb up the Ligue 1 table. During the month of September they recorded just 2 wins and 4 draws, not good by the high standards set at the club. December was another bad month, as they only picked up 8 points out of a possible 18 in all competitions. Worse was yet to come.

The January game against Bastia is probably the lowest point of the season to date. PSG raced into a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes through goals from Lucas Moura and Adrien Rabiot and were entirely commanding in the opening exchanges. There is only one explanation as to why they conceded 4 unanswered goals. Complacency. PSG had by far the superior starting 11 on paper, but gifting them 2 goals gave them the momentum and then it was very hard for the Parisians to get back to the top. 

The Christmas period was particularly difficult as fresh rumours of discontent rumbled in the air. Again Cavani was in the middle of it. Both him and fellow countryman Ezequiel Lavezzi were suspended internally for 2 games after they failed to report back to the training camp in Morocco after a week off. The dressing room was divided with some players jealous at the privileges others got. Players that were out of form seemed undroppable leaving those on the bench irritated and confused. Laurent Blanc had his hands full of many problems in the French capital. 

What happened last night against Chelsea and can Blanc carry this on into the closing stages of the season?

To start with, no one can deny that Chelsea were diabolical, and this would have made it a whole lot easier for Blanc's men even if they were down to 10 men for 90 minutes of the match. Blanc hit the nail on the head with the tactics and was able to take advantage of PSG's unknown superiority at set pieces. It was nothing less than what they deserved.

Looking at the controversial incidents during the match, the challenge from Ibra looked like a leg breaker but it was a 50/50 challenge with both players having a keen intent on going for the ball. It's easy to criticise the referee, but it's occasions like this where they would benefit greatly from the introduction of a television match official or 'TMO'. It is also simple to condemn the despicable Chelsea players from surrounding the ref, but it's commonplace in today's game - not that it makes it acceptable.

Diego Costa was a constant liability during the game and it amazes me as to how he was never sent off, but he had a 'stonewall' penalty appeal refuted as some would say. It was terrific skill from the ex Brazilian but it was quite clear he never had any intention of getting a shot away. There was contact but it needs to be emphasised that not all contact is considered a foul. If it was, then I would go to write about chess or something daft like that. Costa has got a tremendous amount of ability, but his temperament can cost his team.

Looking at PSG themselves, they knew all their roles. Marco Verratti was at his niggly best, Javier Pastore ran himself into the ground and Sirigu produced several fine saves to keep the Parisians in the tie. It was written in the script for David Luiz to score against his former club last night, following suit with Klass-Jan Huntelaar the night before and Danny Welbeck on Monday. As much as we all like to abuse him for his distinct lack of defensive qualities and just being an all round shambolic defender, Luiz does try his best. That statement may seem like a bit of a cop-out, but he showed a tremendous amount of passion, unlike a few others on the pitch and looking back on it, did so through out the World Cup.

PSG put in a professional performance last night, similar to Chelsea's against Barcelona in 2012. The task for Laurent Blanc will be to keep his players singing from the same hymn book and they definitely topple Lyon at the top of Ligue 1. As for the Champions League, it is probably a bit further in the distance yet. Managing a dressing room packed with egos is difficult, but I take confidence from the victory of Stamford Bridge that Blanc is the right man to lead them to glory.