Paris Saint-Germain, which has not won at the Parc des Princes for two games, receives Lens on Saturday in a meeting at the crucial stake for the title in Ligue 1.
The match of all dangers for Paris, that of all hopes for Lens. On the occasion of the 31st day of Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain welcomes Racing Club de Lens to the Parc des Princes, Saturday April 15, for an essential meeting in the race for the title. With a six-point lead, the club from the capital could widen a significant gap over their artesian runner-up in the event of a victory. A third consecutive loss at home could however plunge the men of Christophe Galtier into the most total doubt. And the Sang et Or intend to take advantage of it.
Because between injuries and disappointing results at home, trouble is piling up in Paris
No time to breathe in the capital. This season is no exception, the daily life of Paris Saint-Germain is not easy. Against Lens, Christophe Galtier will have to do without the services of Marco Verratti, Renato Sanches and Timothée Pembélé, in addition to the known absences until the end of the season Neymar, Presnel Kimpembe and Nordi Mukiele, all three operated. On the result side, the balance sheet is not more attractive. PSG, which had remained undefeated during its 35 last receptions in Ligue 1 (30 wins, 5 draws), remains on two defeats at the Parc des Princes, against Stade Rennes and Olympique Lyonnais.
IQuestioned at a press conference on Friday April 14, before the match against Lens, Christophe Galtier was confident. “Everyone was waiting for this big meeting and we were able to work wellsupported the Parisian coach in front of the press. We will have to be much more attacking than in the last games, while remaining very vigilant in the transition phases because we really missed that in the first leg.” Indeed, the Sang et Or had won at Bollaert on the 17th day of Ligue 1 (3-1), January 1, 2023, thus remaining the only team against which PSG has not won since the start. last season in Ligue 1 (2 draws, 1 defeat).
Because Christophe Galtier is in turmoil
In recent days, it is neither the club’s infirmary nor the latest results that have been at the center of Parisian news. Since Tuesday, Christophe Galtier has been implicated, in an email dated August 2021, for racist and Islamophobic remarks when he was the coach of Nice. The scandal quickly caused a stir, forcing the coach to defend himself at a press conference. He said in particular “deeply shocked” by the words attributed to him, which “[le] strike deep within [son] humanity”.
The Parisian technician filed three complaints for defamation against Julien Fournier, the former sports director of OGC Nice, and journalists Daniel Riolo and Romain Molina. A second complaint will be filed against the three men for endangering others. Finally, a third complaint against X will be filed for harassment and death threats. Preparing for a match at stake in this type of context? “Yes it’s possible”, declared the PSG coach to the press. I prepared it, we prepared it together with the players.”
Because Lens is having one of the best seasons in its history
Since their trip to Lyon on February 12, the Sang et Or have never been defeated. Better, the artesian club has chained four victories in its last four Ligue 1 matches. The formation led by Franck Haise, which has been following a frantic pace since the start of the season with 63 points in 30 days, has already the club’s history.
RC Lens indeed displays its best total of points at this stage in Ligue 1, and could crown its journey by exceeding the mark of its title in 1998 (68 points). But will that be enough to overtake Paris Saint-Germain? Nothing is less certain, but Saturday’s result will give a first approach to Lensoise ambitions for the final sprint.
Because Kylian Mbappé remains silent on the pitch
If he had not hesitated to speak out against the club’s communication in a video clip for the future subscription campaign, the Paris Saint-Germain striker is more discreet on the lawns of Ligue 1. French international has not found the net for three games. His last performance in Nice, last weekend, is only the blatant symbol of this decline. Little in sight (one shot in 90 minutes), he achieved nothing and nothing succeeded him. Clumsy, isolated and frustrated, the one who has long been the guide of PSG has lost his way. He is the opposite of Lois Openda, the Lensois striker who has scored six goals in his last four league games.
In addition, Lens is far from being the favorite opponent of the native of Bondy. It is even the only Ligue 1 team (with PSG) against which Kylian Mbappé has never scored (in three games). The co-top scorer in Ligue 1 (19 goals), lacking in efficiency, would be well advised to find the net on Saturday. On the one hand to overtake Edinson Cavani (138 goals) and become PSG’s top scorer in the league, and on the other hand for the confidence of his club, which badly needs it.