PSG - chickens coming home to roost. Fair play hits club hard.

PSG now knows the penalty they will pay under the new UEFA "Fair Play" rules to target rampant spending (think PSG and Manchester City). Speaking of the citizens, they are believed to be fined a hefty amount as well - 50m pounds. But for this post, let us focus on what PSG is facing next season. After trying to convince UEFA that their sponsorship deal

PSG ... you have been naughty

with the Qatar Tourism Authority for £167m-a-year was deemed not valid and put PSG in violation of the fair play rule. The penalties PSG face:

• PSG will not be able to increase their payroll, which is already the highest in Europe at 240m euros.
• PSG will not be allowed to purchase any players during the transfer window until they sell off players. They can also only spend 60m Euros on one "star player" but cannot break it down into 2 players for 30m or 3 for 20m. Not sure what about buying rotation players at say 5m Euros...
• With regards to transfers, they are allowed only 21 players on their Champions League roster as opposed to the usual 25 player list. Also at least 8 must be formed by the club.
• Finally they will have to pay a nice little fine of 60m euros paid out over 3 years. 

With this ruling, expect things to be very interesting in Paris this summer. It could be argued that if PSG had a healthy Zlatan they might have gone further in the Champions League, something their wealthy owners are most interested in than saving a few Euros to get back in the good graces with UEFA. Their current squad should once again challenge for Ligue 1 as well as domestic cups next season, even if they do not add any new players. Other than the obvious impact on the coffers, here are some story lines to be watched:

• Look for many of the rumors of player exits to gain more steam and some coming to fruition. Even without this penalty, PSG had to do something with Cavani. Under Blanc's current system, the striker has had difficulty emulating the impact he had in Italy with Napoli. Rolling out a 4-3-3 left the Uruguayan striker out wide, somewhere he did not seem comfortable being. With rumors abound about him heading to the EPL, Manchester United being one of the most discussed destinations, I think there is fire where there is so much smoke. Look for Cavani to end up either in Manchester or in London with Chelsea.  This will also free up 10m Euros in salary.
• The log jam in the midfield. Blanc leans on the trident of Matuidi, Motta and Veratti in his 4-3-3. With the addition of Cabaye over the winter, and the rumors of targeting Pogba as well as the emergence of Rabiot and you have a bit of a log jam. It will be interesting to see if the Pogba transfer gets shelved and what happens with Rabiot, who is rumored to be heading to Chelsea. Will PSG look to off load Veratti? Sell him to the likes of Arsenal? What about the Pastore? Who is really a central midfielder and has been more of a bench player. I see Pastore being moved, probably back to Italy as he is excess already and moving his 4m Euro salary would be seen as an addition by subtraction. I think Rabiot will be kept. Not only is he a talent but he is home grown...something that is going to carry even greater importance next season. Also, look for Sissoko to be moved as well.
• Speaking of log jams, what about the wingers? Menez, Lucas and Lavezzi are all

  

  Closer to reality?

  options on the wings. As is, out of position Cavani. However there are some rumors that PSG will make a push to bring back Hazard to Ligue 1. The fact the Belgium winger has had some words with the Special One, might add some fuel to that fire. Could PSG move Menez and Lavezzi, to then use their one big signing to get Hazard? That would slot Hazard on the left and Lucas on the right...seems like a good formula. With Menez and Lavezzi out - PSG would save over 7m Euros. Granted if they added a player of the likes of Hazard they would be adding payroll.

PSG will have to do some house keeping this summer. They will have to get rid of some of the expensive dead weight they have - Pastore, Menez, Sissoko are first to come to mind. They will need to figure out what to do with Cavani. I think the situation, both on the field and on the balance sheet means he will be heading out of Paris.

By the beginning of next season PSG will still be a favorite to win the Ligue 1 title. The question will become, can they manage the balance sheet and the penalties to get their club to a position where they can challenge for a European title?

Arghhh PSG...disaster no...but what a kick in the gut

So Chelsea did what we all knew they were capable of, but were hoping they wouldn't. After being down 3-1 they had to keep a clean sheet and score two goals. Mission accomplished. And they did so through the most improbable player - Ba. From the outset it was clear that Chelsea were laser focused on getting the necessary goals. PSG seemed to be happy to sit

back and defend. Not unexpected coming from a team sitting with a two goal lead, playing in a hostile environment of Stamford Bridge. It is easy to go back and change history. I do not think that Blanc made any errors in his line up, other than, I might have started Cabaye over Verratti from the beginning. Verratti was being mugged in the game in Paris and this only continued this time around. Maybe Blanc should have started Cabaye. For a few reasons:

• His experience with Newcastle and having played in the EPL could have settled down the midfield. I realize that Blanc wanted to stick with the formation that brought him here.
• Add some steel to the midfield. Chelsea seemed to have their way in the midfield. Especially with big bird - David Luiz. Luiz ran around like a chicken with his hair on fire.
• Brought a bit more of a deep shooting threat to the midfield. Chelsea was pressing hard but doing that created some spaces for shooting from distance. Something Cabaye brings to the table.

Alas, I am not sure if that move would have made much of a difference. End of the day Chelsea earned the victory because they controlled the game and how it was played. PSG did not do enough to get their offensive players, such as Cavani, involved.

A tough loss for PSG, no doubt. But back to back 1/4 finals are something to build on. However PSG need to learn from this and go further if they want to be considered a real European power.

PSG...Ligue 1 theirs to lose?

So the Manchester City on the Seine has made a number of big time moves this transfer season. Doing some of their shopping in Italy, see below, as well as the top five most expensive transfers in Ligue 1:

date	player	to	from	m€
Jul 12	Thiago Silva	Paris SG.	Milan	42
Aug 12	Lucas Moura	Paris SG.	Sao Paulo	40
Jul 12	Ezequiel Lavezzi	Paris SG.	Napoli	26
Jul 12	Zlatan Ibrahimovic	Paris SG.	Milan	21
Jul 12	Marco Verratti	Paris SG.	Pescara	11

With this new purchasing power, that puts PSG in the same level as the top clubs in Europe, it also puts expectations on a whole new level. One that PSG has seldom been able to live up to, even before the petro-dollars came pouring in.

Of course while PSG has been bringing in players, they teams that will challenge PSG are losing players - Lille lost their best player, and the best player in Ligue 1 Eden Hazard and they might also lose their right back Debuchy to Newcastle, Marseilles lost Diarra and their coach, defending title holders Montpellier lost Ligue 1 leading goal scorer Giroud and might lose young starlet Mbiwa.

Lyon has stood pat so far, but they are just trying to keep their key players, such as Lloris (who I still think would look very good in North London red) and Cissokho.

What me worry?

So it is PSG's title to lose...at some level yes. They came very close last season to capturing that elusive Ligue 1 title. Something they have not done since Weah and Ginola have graced the pitch at the Parc des Princes. The pressure does mount on Ancelotti now. How will he leverage all the assets he has?

What will he do with what appears to be a log jam at striker - Ibra, Hourau and Gameiro (I think one of the two French strikers will need to be sold). If Ancelotti sticks with his preferred formation of 4-3-2-1 he does not really need three international strikers. What about Nene? Will the Brazilian stay or does he not have a place on the field? Assume Menez, Lavezzi, Pastore and Verratti will be rotating for the two offensive roles...Nene seems odd man out. Especially with young Brazilian midfielder Moura coming in January. The three deep lying midfielders will most likely be a combination of Motta, Matuidi, Sissoko, Chantome and Bodmer - with the first three getting the bulk of the time.

The back line will also need some managing with a log jam at central defense, especially that Silva is now in the mix. He would appear to be a lock for one of the central roles. With Sakho seeming on the outside looking in, will he get moved? One area that is not a concern is in goal where Sirigu will continue to be PSG's #1, with Douchez more than capable as his back up.

PSG have a lot of options, a lot of money and a lot of expectations. With Champions League football as well as the expectations for Ligue 1 glory, much will depend on how the team is managed and how Ancelotti manages his players time and egos. PSG must get off to a good start and more importantly, they have to stop giving away points to teams they should beat. This has haunted them and cost them dearly over the past few seasons - two loses to lowly Nancy last season cost them the title....I think PSG will win the title this season and get to the knock out stage in the Champions League.

Look for Nene, Sakho and Gameiro to be moved before end of August or in the winter. Also look for PSG to make a big name signing over the winter as well.

PSG getting ready to do some selling?

PSG's mercurial Benin midfielder - Sessegnon - who arrived with much fan fare a few seasons ago appears to be one foot out the door at PSG. After his bust with with management and his diminished playing time it might be time for him to pursue greener pastures. This has become an even greater likelihood with the arrival last summer of Nene from Monaco and the Brazilian's absolutely scintillating first half of the season. Couple this with Giuly's rejuvenation on the wing and clearly all signs point to Sessegnon being shown the door. I think the Benin midfielder would do well in England, where he is rumored to be heading. He can play multiple positions in midfield (almost a poor man's version of Essien) and has a nasty side that would serve him well in the more physical EPL. PSG would do well to rid themselves of a player that has a reputation of being a malcontent when he does not get his way and has overstayed his welcome.

PSG needs to shore up their offense - they have been relying to heavily on Nene for goals, Hourau remains a good Ligue 1 striker, but Erding has not found his form and after that PSG is very thin. They could also see if they can find some help at fullback and potentially a keeper (sound familiar Gunners?) I hope that PSG can and should hold on to Sakho, at least until this summer otherwise they better find a central defender as well. Selling off Sessegnon will be a start, but they need to bring in some other parts to continue to challenge for a title.

PSG...1 step forward....2 steps back

Aie Aie Aie!!! PSG with a resounding win last week against Sochaux and this week hit the post twice and end up losing 1-0 on last minute goal from Remy. PSG was then booed off the Parc Des Princes pitch. Somewhat understandable since PSG has had trouble showing any consistency this season which is maddening. They now find themselves on the wrong side of the table.

Clearly they have been hurt by the lack of success from Hoarau who contributed 20 goals last season in all competitions. So far this season...1 goal. In addition Erding has missed a number of matches adding to PSG's offensive woes. Defensively, PSG has not been terrible. Coupet has been solid in the back, Makelele his usually strong defensive self in the midfield, Armand - Sakho et al. doing their part in the back. In the midfield, Sessegnon has continued to be his creative self...so really the main culprit...lack of finishing.

PSG better find the touch in front of goal, otherwise the league will drift further and further away from the Parisians.

PSG over the flu

So PSG got back to the pitch this weekend after having their derby match against OM postponed last week due to the H1N1 virus, aka swine flu. The time off seemed to have worked with a convincing 4-1 drubbing of Sochaux. The score line could have been worse had Sessegnon been more clinic in some of his attacks in the first half when the PSG counter caught Sochaux out numbered in the back. Erding made a successful come back to his former club slotting home the 3rd goal for PSG. Also the Chantome - Clement holding midfield duo worked well together and should be give more time together, this would also allow Makelele more time to recover.

So now the team from the capital find themselves 9 points back of the leader Bordeaux. With the return of Erding, I hope that PSG is in for a run of good form and have gotten the typical bad PSG run out of their system. They still have a chance to creep back into the race. Unlike in England or Spain, Ligue 1 is much more fluid and dynamic. Now let us see if PSG can live up to this fan's expectations.

OM drops first match

OM drops 3 points at Valenciennes losing 3-2 on a nice set piece goal late in the game. Marseilles seemed to have many offensive options but were weak at the back, the entry of Ben Arfa late in the contest did nothing to change the result, the young French international once again playing a very unimpressive match for Marseilles. The dropped points will allow Bordeaux and Lyon to put some distance between themselves and OM. Clearly OM is still trying to find their legs and more importantly get a comfort zone in the way Deschamps wants them to play.

Alas, PSG drew against Lorient in a game where they were down 1-0. With the lost opportunity last week to take the full 3 points from Lyon and another draw this week, PSG are leaving points on the table that might come back to haunt them in the chase for the title. Unlike OM, they cannot blame Europe for being a little "tired."

Oh, and Lyon just go down 1-0 to TFC on a brilliant run by Sissoko.

PSG v Lyon

Big first match for PSG facing OL at the Parc Des Princes. This should prove to be a good match with Lyon, quietly playing very well, and PSG showing lots of potential (they really should have done better last week after dominating Monaco).

The story line will be how much will PSG miss Sessegnon who took a silly red card last week. Without the creative play maker, where will PSG's game take shape? Guily has found a home ont he right side and with Sessegnon running the left the team had some great balance. The middle being controlled by the likes of Makelele and Clement. PSG could turn to the youngster Makonda to play on the left or even Luyindula, however the former is young and would be under tremendous pressure and the latter is really more suited higher up the pitch or on the right. More will fall on Guily's shoulders to provide some of the creative spark and play that will be lost with Sessegnon sitting this game out.

Without their powerful creative midfielder will PSG be able to break Lyon? I think PSG will look to play solid in the back and try to take advantage of their height with Hourau up front (without Boumsong Lyon might have trouble controlling the tall PSG striker).

Being at home will help PSG, but only to the draw.

Look who is leading Ligue 1...PSG!!!!

PSG score a famous 3-0 victory over Lille, and move into a tie at top of Ligue 1. After 3 wins and 1 draw, an unlucky last minute equalizer at Montpellier during the first match. PSG have been able to score - 10 goals and defend - 4 goals against. I think that having Coupet in the back has added some necessary stability to the back line. With Makelele, Sessegnon, Clement, Chantome, et al in the midfield they have been able to control the play. And Guily and Luyindula are controlling the width of the pitch. Erding appears to be a great signing up front. Once Hourau returns to full strength, PSG will have a solid strike force.

Of course they could still use some offensive muscle and depth...uhhhhmmmm...clear throat...I guess Landycakes could be the answer....ahhhhmmmm

I will enjoy the start, it is a long season, but this is better than fighting for relegation.

Highlights of the match, watch for the set up for the last goal and how Sessegnon eliminates 3 defenders.

Landycakes in Paris?????

If the rumors are to be believed, landycakes is about to sign a loan deal with my beloved PSG. Um ok. I guess. My distaste for the American has been clearly stated. So I am not sure how I feel about him coming to PSG. Granted landycakes has skill, pace, and a nose for goal. What I still question is does he have spine and heart. While Ligue 1 is a second tier league in Europe, it remains far superior to the MLS. Throw in the League and French Cups, you are looking at a full calendar as well, granted PSG is not in Europe this year so could be worse. Landycakes will have a chance to prove he can make it in Europe. If he does well for PSG it will be a spring board to England or Italy or Spain. Putting my disdain for him aside, he could help PSG giving them another offensive player with bags of pace. The stint should help Landycakes, he should see some action for PSG and will be in some serious derby matches like Marseilles - PSG. Who would have ever thought PSG would have Landycakes, it is going to be difficult for me to see the PSG Donovan kit when I am on the Champs D'Elysee at the PSG store.

Sigh, lost opportunity for PSG

Ugh so frustrating, PSG playing a 10 man Montpellier with over 60 minutes in the match, get a 1-0 lead and then decide to pretend they are Les Bleus and give up a last minute goal off a set piece. PSG looked very dangerous for the most of the second half, granted they had a man advantage, but they demonstrated an ability to attack, string passes together, defend counter attacks, and overall looked dangerous in front of the goal. Sessegnon was pulling the strings, Guily was dangerous on the wing, and Erdinc looked very dangerous up front. The Franco - Turk created himself a number of threatening opportunities in front of goal and was unfortunate to have not put a goal away. The main area of frustration for me was PSG's inability to put in a second goal after dominating the match. They seemed satisfied to have a 1-0 lead with a one man advantage, rather than going for the coup de grace and getting the second goal PSG sat back....and got burned.

I realize it is the first game of the season, and this game was on the road. So any time you get a point from the road you need to be satisfied. But when you play a team that was in Ligue 2 last season and have a 1 goal lead, late...you need to bring home the fill 3 points! And please put a defender on the far post!!!! It does leave a bad taste....



Ah great defending....come on! Last minute of the match, PSG should have had every player DEFENDING!!!! Then again Coupet should be very accustomed to this, since Les Bleus could not defend a set piece for him either.

Ligue 1 gets under way! Meet the new boss same as the old boss

Ok a gratuitous quote from one of my favorite songs and bands. But it is somewhat appropriate...granted Lyon did not win their 8th straight title, however the new boss is one of France's storied clubs who has 6 titles to its credit. They will head into these season as one of the main favorites to secure the title again and repeat.

This season should be as competitive as it was last season, while the league might not be as sexy as the big 3 leagues - England, Spain and Italy - it remains one of the most competitive so worth taking a look.

So who will be the top 5 teams this season?

#5 - Toulouse. The TFC held on to two of their most important players - Sissoko and Gignac - at least for now. They played very well last season securing a place in Europe. Gignac was the leading scorer in France, although if you asked him to do something with his left foot or head he would have scored ZERO goals. Toulouse did lose wing back Mathieu who was always a fringe international but gave TFC a good balance in the back. Additionally they will be with a new keeper - Yohann Pele from Le Mans. I think they have enough talent and balance to make a run at the top 5 this season. Of course if they lose either or both of their stars before the close of the transfer window that will drop them to the middle of the pack.

#4 - Marseilles. The second place team from last season made some serious moves this off season. Adding a new manager in former favorite son Deschamps. Adding players such as Heintz to bolster the defense. Morientes to add some veteran presence up front - let us not forget that the Spaniard played for Deschamps when Monaco made a run to the 2004 Champions League finals. Also adding Cisse (Edoaurd not Djibril, who also, like Heintz had played at hated rival PSG) and Gonzalez to the midfield. It will be interesting if Valbeuna stays with Marseilles. Deschamps does not appear to have any interest in the French play maker, at least does not seem to see him in the long term plans for Marseilles. I think if he leaves the club, Deschamps will be very disappointed in his decision. With Zenden leaving as well, granted a shell of his younger self, Marseilles will be without their midfield creative forces if they are without Zenden and Valbeuna. Yes Ben Arfa remains, but he has a lot on his shoulders this season. After coming over from Lyon last season, his first campaign with Marseilles was littered with pouting incidents, injury, and overall disappointment. Much will be expected of him if Marseilles is to do well this season. I think there are many question marks around OM and they will slip down the pecking order.

#3 Lyon - The 7 time champion lost their mojo last season. After leading much of the season they fell apart at the end and watched Marseilles and Bordeaux leap frog them in the standing. This off season many of the parts that led to their success have left - Juninho and Benzema - being the two biggest fist. Granted the Brazilian had lost much of his effectiveness but he was still a valuable player. Benzema of course was the jewel of the squad but could not resist the pull from Los Galacticos of Real Madrid. They did add Bastos and Gomis, that will add some muscle to the squad. Bastos today is probably a step up from Juninho. Gomis, while still a raw talent, will not come to the levels of Benzema, however he should shine for Lyon with the improved talent around him. The key player for me will be how 2 of the youngsters step up - Pjanic and Mounier. The two young midfielders were sitting on the bench last season watching the veterans now it is their turn. Pjanic was one of the best young players in France a few season ago playing for Metz. Mounier is looked at as one of France's up and coming players. Now is their time to shine. I think they are still one season away, but they will show progression.

#2 Bordeaux. The defending champion should have a strong squad this season. Without the constant questions swirling around whether or not Gourcuff would stay is no longer hanging over their heads, will mean even greater stability to the club. However they are rumored to lose Chamakh to Arsenal and have already lost Oberton to Manchester United, wonder where the goals will come from? If they do lose Chamakh, much will be asked of Gouffran who was a disappointment last season. I wonder where the goals will come from for Bordeaux. They still have enough talent and fire power to secure a top 3 finish.




#1 PSG. Ok I know...crazy....maybe a little too much of my bias as a PSG fan coming into play. However, PSG have not lost some of the key players I feared they may loose - Sessegnon, Clement, Chantome or Sakho. They did switch French keepers, seeing Landreau move on and adding Coupet. What I think is promising is that PSG have a full season under their belt with the majority of the effective, least we forget that heading into their late season match up against OM, PSG was 2 points out of first place. They then spiraled out of contention. I think that having UEFA cup games in concurrence with these matches weighed heavily on PSG. Falling out Europe might be a blessing in disguise for PSG this season. The midfield is solid with Sessgnon, Chantome, Clement, Guily, Makelele, and even Rothen. Hourau should continue to grow up front. Luyindula has rediscovered his form. Kezman will hopefully bounce back and contribute to the offence. The addition of Erdinc is intriguing, if he plays to the level he did at Sochaux, PSG will have a lethal offensive strike force. Armand, Sakho, and Camara are solid in the back. And in veteran shot stopper Coupet, you have a solid veteran back stopping the defense. The question is around the depth on defense. PSG are a veteran team, so the window to grab a league title might be open for 1 - 2 seasons. Without Europe, I think PSG will be focused and ready to take a run at the Ligue 1 title. I am going to go out on a limb and say that PSG will bring the Ligue 1 title back to the capital!


It should be another interesting and entertaining season in France. While the league might not have the star power found in Spain, Italy or England it is competitive and should prove a title that will come down to the end of the season to be decided!

Looking forward to the start, and with TV5 and Sentanta I will have plenty of matches to watch.

The last horrah for PSG?

A funny thing happened this season, PSG went from last years running joke, barely avoiding relegation to at one point this season, being 1 pt off the lead off first place. Now they are still in the running for a Champions League spot, the first place seems a far reach. So this should be a good thing for a club that has been dysfunctional too long...however those days may come back sooner than the fans hope. Why? A major turn over might strike once again.

PSG is built around some solid players some that were diamonds in the rough - Hourau, some that were aged veterans looking for one more run at glory - Makelele and Guily, and some players that continued to grow - Sessegnon. In addition, this season saw the resurrection of veterans such as Landreau and Armand. So this would appear to be a good combination for the next few seasons, but not all is good.

First, Le Guen is leaving the club. The manager that was able to turn things around in the capital has once again decided to jump ship and seek greener pastures or he was forced out by the brass. Either way, the Paris team will once again have to find a new leader of the club. Le Guen had given them the one thing needed - stability at the top. I fear that having to break in a new manager once again will set back PSG.

Second, there are a number of rumors that Landreau is on the way out. After being the keeper for PSG since 2006, and reestablishing himself as the one of the best keepers in France it appears that he is looking to move abroad. If he does leave, not sure what the B plan would be for PSG. This would create a huge hole in the PSG line up. There is a rumor that Coupet might want to come back to France after a failed experiment at Athletico, PSG might be a good destination. However, not sure how much Coupet has left in the tank either!

Third, not sure how much is left in the tank for Makelele and Guily. Coming back to France seemed to give these two veterans a new lease on life. They both found their niche in the PSG side, but not sure how much more they can give to the efforts. Will next season be "a season to far" for the two veterans. Not sure how much longer Keke will be the linchpin in the middle of the park. He was already slowing down last season with Chelsea. I cannot imagine how he can continue at a high rate for much longer.

Finally, will PSG find itself raided by some of the bigger European clubs? Sakho might be poached by Arsenal, Sessegnon might also find his way across the channel. How about Hourau? Clement? To name a few. If these players decide to seek new adventures PSG will really find itself behind the 8 ball.

So PSG might get into the Champions League...and have a middle of the table squad available for the competition. Sigh.

Nesta to PSG?????

Goal.com reports that PSG might be seeking to add the Italian defender Nesta to their geriatric roster. Adding another 30+ former international footballing star, to the roster would be an interesting move for the Parisian club. There are also rumors that PSG is looking at adding Gallas to bolster the middle of their defense which needs help since Yepes has left the club. The bottum line is PSG is looking to refind its place in the upper echelon of French football, but are they looking to add to much aged veterans while ignoring their youth? While adding Nesta would be very interesting - he brings veteran leadership, remains a solid defender, but is oft injured - however PSG really needs to focus on their youth. Something they did not do by allowing Ngog leave for Liverpool.

PSG loses Ngog to Liverpool

So PSG has signed two older players in Guily and Makelele this week and then turned around and sold an up and coming teenager in Ngog to Liverpool. Supposedly Le Guen claimed that Ngog had not done the necessary to be included in this years plans. While you have to respect the manager's opinion, this is a worrying trend for me....if you keep selling players in their teenage years that does not bode well for your future. While Le Guen might not be high on the player, he is still a France U19 member and still has growth potential. Obviously he attracted attention from a big European club so he has some level of talent. If PSG wants to get back into the ranks of France's elite and start competing with the likes of Bordeaux and Lyon they will need to retain and develop some youth, they cannot rely on signing 30+ year olds to sustain them. I hope that this move does not come back to bite them in the behind like when they lost another teenager to an English club...that player was Nicolas Anelka.