Platini slams PSG/Bayern and their « leaky defences »

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·14 August 2026

Platini slams PSG/Bayern and their « leaky defences »

Michel Platini, a former football legend, particularly of the French national team, was invited by L’Equipe to look back on the 2025-2026 Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. While the first leg, which ended 5-4 in PSG’s favor, was described by many as a historic match, the former UEFA president mostly saw flaws and preferred the second leg (1-1)

“People talked about the match of the century after the 5-4 in the first leg. I preferred the 1-1 in the second leg,” he said. “The goalkeepers are sieves and the defenders are complete sieves; they concede nine goals and people call that the match of the century? We really are in show business right now. A great defensive move, a great save by a goalkeeper, is just as beautiful as a goal.”

Goals are not everything, but they should not be overlooked.

It is a strong opinion, which is typical of Platini. Some will no doubt be annoyed and dismiss a man now somewhat removed from the main figures in football. And yet, what he says is not unreasonable. Even if there is possibly some exaggeration, and perhaps some misunderstanding too.

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This statement already raises a huge question, an almost endless debate: what is a great match? Not everyone has the same sensibilities or the same preferences. There are many different playing philosophies, and players who are even more varied. A tackle can be just as valuable as a goal and just as beautiful. But it is easy to understand those who prefer a goal. After all, it is the clear objective, the long-awaited achievement.

This PSG/Bayern tie was a festival in that respect, and it is perfectly fair to enjoy it. All the more so with the twists and turns, which made it even more electric. There were also a few “beautiful” goals. However, everyone could also see that the defenses and the goalkeepers were not at their best. That changed in the second leg, with a very different scoreline as a result. The attackers also seemed a little less inspired. It is always a combination of everything.

Everyone can have their preferences. They were two very high-level matches, with different areas of the game shining at different times. What is unfortunate is using words as blunt as Platini’s, which somewhat crushes the possible nuance and shuts down the debate.

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