The Football Reporters: How PSG moved on after Mbappe to become UCL favourites
Apr 9, 2025
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Archie Rhind-Tutt, a German football expert who recently interviewed Harry Kane, joins Julien Laurens, an esteemed PSG reporter, to explore how PSG has thrived post-Mbappe. They discuss PSG's shift to a cohesive, younger team approach, enhancing their Champions League prospects. The conversation takes a turn to Harry Kane's potential trophy breakthrough at Bayern Munich, while also examining Manchester United's striker search and challenges ahead in the transfer market.
PSG has shifted focus from star-driven success to a cohesive team structure, leading to a revitalized squad after Mbappe's departure.
The positive response from PSG fans highlights a desire for more relatable players over previous high-profile egos, with a commitment to homegrown talent.
Harry Kane's adaptation at Bayern Munich reflects his focus on overcoming personal challenges while striving for team success amid ongoing scrutiny.
Deep dives
Paris Saint-Germain's Shift in Strategy
The departure of Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) marked a significant pivot for the club, moving away from the Galacticos model that relied heavily on star players to a strategy centered around cultivating a younger squad. New coach Luis Enrique has embraced this change, focusing on teamwork and collective effort, which has led to improved performance on the field. This evolution includes the integration of younger players like Desiree Douai and Zaire Emre, who contribute actively to both attacking and defensive phases of the game. As a result, PSG is experiencing renewed success, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the Champions League title.
Fan Reception to the New PSG Project
The transformation at PSG has generally received a positive response from fans, who were growing frustrated with the previous era dominated by high-profile egos. Many supporters recognized that the previous strategy wasn't sustainable and welcomed the club's pursuit of a more cohesive team identity. With a focus on homegrown talent and younger players, the current squad is perceived as more relatable and likable compared to past iterations filled with marquee names. This shift in philosophy has not only revitalized the team's playing style but has also fostered a more engaged and supportive fan base.
Harry Kane's Journey at Bayern Munich
Harry Kane's move to Bayern Munich has been marked by his commitment to overcoming a personal trophy drought while adapting to a new footballing environment in Germany. In interviews, Kane expresses satisfaction with his current situation and emphasizes his desire to contribute to the team's success—as evidenced by the Bundesliga title chase. He understands the scrutiny that comes with his performance and acknowledges that while the pursuit of trophies is important, personal assessment hinges on consistent on-field contributions. His focus remains on maximizing his potential at Bayern, and he aims to let his performances speak for themselves.
The Struggles of Manchester United
Manchester United has faced ongoing challenges this season, particularly regarding scoring goals, which highlights a systematic problem within the team rather than just a lack of a proficient striker. Recent matches reveal that despite having opportunities, players often fail to capitalize, which has exacerbated the team's woes. As they gear up for the summer transfer window, strengthening the attacking position is a priority, with names like Liam De Lappe and Victor Osimhen being considered to remedy their striking issues. However, the club must also critically assess broader structural deficiencies to return to competitive form.
Potential Changes in the Summer Transfer Market
The upcoming summer transfer window promises to be a significant period for clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool, all of which are likely to search for striking reinforcements. As opportunities for attacking players arise, there may be a domino effect in the market, where one significant move could trigger multiple others. For instance, Harry Kane remains a pivotal figure in these discussions, as his future could influence how clubs approach their own recruitment strategies. With many clubs seeking to bolster their squads, the convergence of needs creates a heightened sense of urgency and competition in the transfer market this summer.
James Olley, Rob Dawson and Mark Ogden are joined by Julien Laurens to discuss how PSG have improved since losing Kylian Mbappe. Later, Archie Rhind-Tutt joins from Germany to assess whether Harry Kane will break his trophy drought this season. Plus, the guys analyse Manchester United’s striker search amid links to Liam Delap.
