PARIS SAINT- GERMAIN
New boss has to deliver immediately
Thomas Tuchel knows exactly what is expected of him in the French capital, with the only goal that really counts being a vast improvement in Champions League results and standing.
Ever since the investment arm of the Qatari government took control in 2011, PSG have failed to go beyond the quarter-finals, and for paymasters who have invested over € 1bn in players that is not remotely good enough.
A disciple of Pep Guardiola’s freeflowing, possession-based style of play, Tuchel is one of Europe’s shrewdest tacticians and an expert shuffler of the pack. However, he can be a control freak – a trait which could put him at odds with PSG’s squad of Hollywood headliners.
Needless to say he will have to tread especially carefully with in-house diva Neymar. The attacking maverick can be hard to handle at the best of times and rumours abound of an impending divorce. Neymar is said to be unhappy with the technical level in France, while many PSG fans have yet to warm to him, accusing him of egocentric excesses.
After a disappointing World Cup that was marked by complaints of diving, the 26-year-old will need picking up. But if he can shrug off his blues then PSG will be all the stronger for it.
When fit, firing and not trying too hard, Neymar can be unstoppable, but PSG’s new coach is not keen on selfish players and will only want the Brazilian to produce his magic where it matters, rather than dropping deep to become the playmaker.
Which tactical template is Tuchel likely to favour?
Probably an attack-minded 4-2-3-1 built on synchronised positional play, sharp movement off the ball and explosive pace out wide. Obsessed with flexibility, Tuchel is renowned for constantly changing his team’s shape during games.
How determined is Tuchel to be a success at PSG ?
Let’s just say the German is leaving nothing to chance, even going so far as to personally check out the players’ favourite restaurants and nightclubs. He has also been running the rule over the dietary intake of every member of his squad.
Was it wise to recruit Gigi Buffon?
Only time will tell. Yes, the 40-year-old former Juventus and Italy keeper is a serial winner, but does he still have the athleticism? And he must also serve a three-match European ban for his anti-authority outburst after Juve lost to Real Madrid in last season’s quarter-final.