Press round-up: PSG’s ‘problem’, Kvaratskhelia, Chevalier and the draw | OneFootball

This Friday, January 30, the French press (on the sports side) focused on Paris Saint-Germain’s “problem” this season, the injury of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (24-year-old forward), which has been clarified, Lucas Chevalier (24-year-old goalkeeper) who received a strong message, and the Champions League play-off draw this Friday at 12 p.m., with AS Monaco or Qarabag as opponents.

Le Parisien –

L’Equipe –

PSG is less dominant than at the end of the 2024-2025 season, and now things are being dramatized. Last season at this same point, Paris wasn’t much better. After the very frustrating match lost in the Coupe de France despite clear domination. This is a recurring theme and highlights the main issue at the moment: a lack of efficiency.

The newspaper mentions physical difficulties, since there was no summer preparation. That’s certain, and it’s been going on for a while. But Paris still dominates, even if it’s less overwhelming than what we’ve seen before. There’s also a mental aspect, with some players perhaps taking things a bit too easy, and others now having some doubts. PSG is also being studied more closely, as the paper points out. But that doesn’t stop Paris from having more possession and chances. What’s most evident is that there have been injuries, so some players have played too many games in a row. The infirmary is emptying and Dro Fernandez (18-year-old midfielder) has arrived, which should help.

Kvaratskhelia is injured, unfortunately, but it will be very brief and during a period without midweek matches. That limits the problems. The main hope is to see the other forwards regain some simplicity and sharpness. The recent return of Achraf Hakimi (27-year-old right-back) could also help.

As for Chevalier, he’s having trouble making the leap and now has competition from Matvey Safonov (26 years old), so it’s logical that the latter is getting playing time after some good performances. He’ll need to show character and double his efforts. That’s life at big clubs.

In the meantime, PSG has its draw today. Some might prefer to discover a new opponent rather than face, as last year with Brest, another Ligue 1 team. That also avoids an elimination between French clubs. But it’s not possible to choose.

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