Editorial – PSG: defending a European title sometimes starts with doubts | OneFootball

Reigning European champion, Paris Saint-Germain approaches the knockout phase of the Champions League in a far from serene atmosphere. A laborious end to the group stage, a playoff against Monaco, and a persistent atmosphere of doubt have clouded the narrative. In these conditions, talking about a possible European double seems almost incongruous. And yet, it is perhaps in this uncomfortable context that the maturity of PSG in its 2026 version will truly be measured.

Titleholder, but already "summoned" to convince

Being European champion protects from nothing. Neither from off nights, nor from cycles, nor from constant suspicion. PSG is discovering this in turn. In 2026, it does not approach the final phase of the Champions League driven by the euphoric momentum of victory, but hindered by a hesitant European dynamic.

The end of the group stage left a blurred impression. Insufficient results for direct qualification, sometimes disjointed content, intermittent control. Not a collapse, but enough irregularities to bring the club back to a harsh reality: the status of titleholder offers no automatic credit.

Very quickly, the debate shifted. From the field to doubt. From play to distrust. As if PSG, European champion for only a few months, already had to prove it still deserves to be there.

The playoffs against Monaco, a revealing test without a safety net

The draw left no room for comfort. The playoffs against AS Monaco immediately set a heavy atmosphere, almost paradoxical: a Franco-French duel for access to the round of 16, without tactical surprise.

Monaco knows PSG. PSG knows Monaco. The strengths, the weaknesses, the habits. Everything is identified. These matches will not be played on instinct or surprise, but on the ability to assume one's status under pressure.

These playoffs come earlier than expected, in an already dense schedule, with no margin for error. It is not ideal for a reigning champion. But it is a full-scale test.

A fragile champion hides behind its past. A solid champion accepts going through difficulty. At least, that is the message from Luis Enrique.

Desire DOUE of PSG and MARQUINHOS of PSG and Willian PACHO of PSG during the UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle at Parc des Princes on January 28, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Anthony Bibard/FEP/Icon Sport) – Photo by Icon Sport

A group stage that fuels skepticism

It must be said clearly: the doubts did not come out of nowhere. PSG has caused concern. Less by the results than by the sensations. A team sometimes less sharp, less dominant in key areas, less consistent in intensity.

Some matches left an impression of sterile control. Others showed a team capable of raising its level, then falling back. This yo-yo has fueled a harsh media discourse and unease among some supporters, accustomed to seeing PSG dominate in recent months.

But the recent history of the Champions League reminds us of an uncomfortable truth: linear paths are rare. Several finalist or crowned teams have gone through a gray area, a phase of uncertainty, before fully revealing themselves in knockout matches.

A less flamboyant, but more structured PSG 2026

This PSG is no longer a team dependent on a night of inspiration. The European victory was not built on an accumulation of miracles, but on a solid collective structure, a clear idea of play, and a controlled management of weak moments.

The squad is designed to last. Responsibilities are shared. Roles are identified. This team knows how to win without overwhelming, suffer without panicking, bide time without giving up. All essential qualities when the Champions League enters its most cruel phase.

The continuity of the project is a major asset. The framework is stable, embodied by Luis Enrique, whose main strength lies in the clarity of principles. Even when everything does not work perfectly, PSG knows what it seeks to do. And this clarity becomes precious when the pressure increases.

The real danger for the reigning champion is mental

The trap is not always overconfidence. Sometimes, it is the opposite. Restraint. The fear of failing after reaching the summit. This post-victory "hangover" does not cause a sudden collapse, but a micro-drop in intensity, almost imperceptible.

To this is added an implacable reality: PSG no longer has the right to make mistakes. Each match is an anticipated final. Each underperformance is interpreted as a symptom. The champion no longer benefits from the benefit of the doubt, it becomes the target.

On the tactical level, Europe adapts. PSG is studied, dissected, expected. It will have to adjust its responses without denying its identity, evolve without dispersing.

The double, a possible consequence, never a stated goal

Headcoach of Paris Saint Germain Luis ENRIQUE during the Ligue 1 McDonald’s match between Paris Saint-Germain and Lille at Parc des Princes on January 16, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Daniel Derajinski/Icon Sport) – Photo by Icon Sport

In this context, talking about a European double may seem premature. Almost inappropriate. And yet, the question deserves to be asked, provided it is formulated correctly.

The double is not decreed. It is not claimed. It is built in discretion, consistency, and the ability to survive moments of doubt. PSG has no interest in making it a public discourse. European history shows that this type of displayed ambition is often counterproductive.

However, it is now legitimate to consider this possibility as a credible horizon, if and only if the club assumes the intermediate steps. The playoffs. The pressure. The criticism. The imperfect matches.

If PSG emerges from this zone of discomfort, if it remains true to its principles when everything wavers, if it is still standing in April, then the question of the double will cease to be theoretical. It will impose itself.

Defending a European title does not start in the semi-final. It sometimes begins in doubt, tension, and maximum demand. PSG is exactly at this point.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.