With Paris Saint-Germain, there is always the odd sense that the football is secondary. This is a project designed to promote the interests of the state of Qatar, populated by some of the biggest egos in the world game and watched by fleets of celebrities. For the record, PSG drew 1—1 with Benfica for a second straight week in the Champions League on Tuesday, a result that, coupled with Juventus’s surprise defeat away to Maccabi Haifa, leaves both just two points from the last 16. But really this was about Kylian Mbappé, and, on the day he became the club’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League, a deluge of reports that he wants out as soon as possible despite signing a new contract this summer. It’s another chapter in the ongoing saga of his increasingly preposterous club career and this drama-laden organization.
This was a season that had appeared to be going well. Christophe Galtier looks like a more natural fit for PSG than many recent managers, somebody capable not merely of establishing a coherent tactical approach but also of navigating the perilous politics of the club. PSG sits top of Ligue 1 having dropped just four points in 10 games so far. Nobody really expected Lorient, a point behind, to be able to sustain its challenge. Marseille, another two points back in third, is perhaps a more realistic contender, but still, this season should bring a record 11th domestic title.
In the Champions League, which is, after all, the real test, there was a very good first-half performance against Juventus in the opening group game. Even if the away win over Maccabi Haifa and last week’s draw at Benfica were less impressive, there is no realistic prospect of PSG failing to make the last 16. Some of the football PSG has produced, in particular that from Lionel Messi in his second season at the club, has been sensational.
