Amid untimely revelations, PSG have a game to win against Maccabi Haifa
It is easy to forget, given the number of controversies and revelations that appear with frightening regularity, that PSG are still a football club and is aiming for Champions League glory.
On Tuesday night at the Parc des Princes, the French champions can take a big step towards top spot in Group H with a win over Maccabi Haifa.
Sixteen years after a PSG fan was killed in a clash outside the stadium when they hosted Hapoel Tel Aviv, the return of an Israeli club to Paris has been a high-tension affair, with 1,000 police officers deployed for the 1,650-strong fan base.
On the pitch, Maccabi Haifa shocked Juventus on Matchday 4 (2-0), which condemned the Bianconeri to five points off second place.
Kimpembe and Mendes back
For this match, Christophe Galtier has good news in defence. Indeed, he can count on Presnel Kimpembe and Nuno Mendes. The world champion has been absent since September 10th with a hamstring injury back is back after six weeks away from the pitch.
As for the Portuguese, who also suffered a hamstring injury, he has been absent since October 5th and the 1-1 draw at Benfica. Danilo Pereira is also ruled out with injury while Marco Verratti is suspended.
Despite these returns, Christophe Galtier is expected to field a four-man defence. It is currently his preferred option despite starting the season with a back three.
"I think it's an advantage to have two systems," he said in a pre-match press conference.
"It worked well in the beginning and then it has been a bit stuck lately for different reasons. But don't think we've abandoned the three-man system."
Fabian Ruiz
In the absence of Verratti, Fabían Ruíz continues to grow in stature. The former Neapolitan has become a fixture in the 4-3-3 formation since the beginning of October. Neither Renato Sanches, who disappointed against Ajaccio, nor Carlos Soler, who was used higher up the pitch despite being primarily a midfielder, have been able to challenge the Betis-trained player's rise to prominence.
"I can adapt to both playing systems depending on what the coach decides. I've played in a 4-3-3 in recent years but I'm also comfortable in other systems," said the Spanish international, who accompanied his coach to the media.
The questions about the best tactical system to use lie in the inclusion of the unchanging attacking trio.
"The objective is to find the best compromise between rigour, especially in the defensive phase, and offensive creativity. We have to think about how best to position our three attacking players," said Galtier.
"We wanted to see how we could be more dangerous and have an attacking trio closer together. "