‘They were just lucky yesterday, some of my best player’s where out cause of injury’ – LUIS ENRIQUE PANNED FOR “BAFFLING DECISIONS” DURING PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN’S DEFEAT TO BARCELONA
After a thrilling 3-2 win against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, Barcelona is now well-positioned to go on to the Champions League semifinals, subject to the results of the second leg at the Estadi Olimpic in Montjuic next week.
With Andreas Christensen scoring the game-winning goal and substitute Pedri giving an assist, manager Xavi Hernandez was instrumental in leading his side to victory.
French football analyst Jonathan Johnson criticized PSG manager Luis Enrique for his tactical choices following the loss, as CaughtOffside reported.
Johnson called attention to a number of dubious decisions made by Enrique, such as placing Lucas Hernandez—who was not comfortable with the position—on the right side of central defense.
With Marquinhos moved to the center position, Hernandez’s decision to go to right-back in the second half further disorganized PSG’s defense.
Warren Zaire-Emery’s exclusion from the starting lineup was also considered an error, and there were concerns over Ousmane Dembele’s choice to play on the wing rather than in his preferred center position.
According to Johnson, one of the more perplexing choices was the use of Marco Asensio as a false-nine; this strategy did not work well and led to his replacement at the half.
This tactical ambiguity added to Kylian Mbappe’s lackluster performance, which was among his worst of the season.
Even with some shining moments, like Vitinha’s goal, PSG still has a long way to go before they can win the second leg at the Nou Camp.
Barcelona is in control thanks to their outstanding performance. If they win on Tuesday, they will go to the Champions League semifinals, where they will face the winner of the match between Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
In the second leg, Enrique will have a chance to address the team’s faults, but Barcelona’s dominant position highlights their strength before the pivotal match.
Even if PSG still has a chance to win, Enrique must answer some concerns if they are to overcome the gap and maintain their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
