Ligue 1 update

PSG’s transition has presented both Monaco and Nice with genuine, albeit long, shots at the title

- ADAM WHITE

What’s changed at Paris Saint-Germain?

Since QSI’s 2011 buyout, PSG’s performances have remained broadly consistent, regardless of coach or personnel – but this year feels different. Young talents like 17-year-old midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery are being blooded, the arrival of France internationals – defender Lucas Hernandez, striker Randal Kolo-Muani and winger Ousmane Dembele – add to the homegrown feel, while the garish glamour has been dialled down since Neymar’s summer departure.

It’s also clear this team needs time to grow. The 4-1 Champions League humbling at Newcastle underlined PSG’s Kylian Mbappe-dependency, a woefully understrength midfield, and a lack of technicality needed to progress the ball from deep at the elite level. Ligue 1 draws with Clermont, Lorient and Toulouse exposed a lack of creativity without the individuality of Neymar and Lionel Messi.

However, this team has plenty of promise and will grow as a group, while coach Luis Enrique is slowly designing a system that doesn’t rely on individuals. The transitional season is an alien concept at PSG, but this campaign, especially in Europe, may yet have to be sacrificed to achieve longer-term aims.

Is a genuine title race developing?

France’s fierce competitiveness is both a positive and a negative, as such strength in depth often prevents one challenger to PSG from emerging. This year, with bigger clubs struggling and few stragglers, that process has intensified and could yet come to Paris’ rescue. Despite a below-par start, PSG have remained competitive, with rivals also dropping points.