Another disappointing league campaign
After an excellent 2003/2004 season, when the team won the French Cup and finished second in the league, which got them into the Champions League, the past few years have been very disappointing for the club from Paris. Last year was no different as the team struggled to find their form in the league, though the team won the League Cup, and reached the Cup final, losing in extra time against Lyon. League campaign started with a goalless draw with Sochaux at home, and several disappointing results followed. However, after seven points from three matches, including away wins to Le Mans and Monaco, PSG moved to 11th place. After a home loss to Bordeaux, Le Guen changed the starting eleven, bringing in homegrown talent such as Mamadou Sakho, Loris Arnaud, Younousse Sankharé and David N'Gog. This brought some improvements in the Cup competition but they continued to struggle in the league, finishing 16th, just three points above the relegation zone. The team will not have the chance to defend the League Cup success, as it was banned from the 2008/2009 competition, after PSG fans displayed a controversial banner during their League Cup final victory over Lens.
Giuly and Makelele arrived to the club
Club management decided to improve the club's fortunes by bringing some new signings. Arguably two biggest stars that arrived are Claude Makelele and Ludovic Guily, who both decided to return to French football and try to bring the glory days back to Parc des Princes. Lillian Thuram also completed the transfer to the club, only to discover that due to the heart condition, he has to retire from football. Excellent Benin midfielder Stephane Sessegnon came from Le Mans, and now the midfield area will be one of the best in the league. Very promising forward Guillaume Hoarau returned from loan at Havre, where he became top scorer of Ligue 2, scoring 28 goals in 38 appearances. He will probably be part of the starting eleven as the club legend Pauleta retired from football. Several first team players also left, such as Mendy, Yepes and Diane, but also some great prospects, mainly N'Gog and Digard. The team now boasts an excellent midfield area with new signings aided by Rothen and Clement. The first choice goalkeeper is Mickael Landreau, one of the best keepers in France, Mamadou Sakho might be given chance to start at centre back, as he is one of the most promising youngsters in France, all in all, the team is very well balanced.
In
Claude Makelele (Chelsea)
Ludovic Giuly (AS Roma)
Stephane Sessegnon (Le Mans)
Guillaume Hoarau (returned from loan at Le Havre)
Sammy Traoré (returned from loan at Auxerre)
Fabrice Pancrate (returned from loan at Sochaux)
Youssuf Mulumbu (returned from loan at Amiens)
Albert Baning (returned from loan at Sedan)
Out
Pedro Pauleta (retired)
Mario Yepes (free)
Bernard Mendy (Hull City)
Amara Diané (Al-Rayan)
Vincent N'Gog (Liverpool)
Jerome Alonzo (Nantes)
Didier Digard (Middlesbrough)
Souza (on loan at Gremio)
Gael N'Lundulu (Porstmouth)
They hope to fight for the title
After several disappointing seasons, everybody at the club hopes that this season will bring them success. The team is severely strengthened, as two World class players joined the club. Despite their age, Makelele and Giuly are still capable of playing at the top level, which they will prove this season. With the help from Rothen and Sessegnon, the team will certainly create a lot of chances for their strikers to convert. And if Hoarau repeat the performances from last season, the goals will come. They have a very good keeper and a solid defense, but the only problem might be that if somebody from the starting eleven gets injured, I don't think that back up players are good enough to provide decent cover. Considering that transfer window doesn't close until September 1st, maybe the management will be able to solve this problem. The fans expect their team to be title contenders, but with Marseille and Lyon, I don't think they can clinch the title. They will be much closer to the top this season, and probably qualify for Europe through league finish.
Our tip: PSG to achieve European qualification
Odds
Bookmaker:
CL
CLQ
UEFA
RELEG