Former Paris Saint-Germain defender Jimmy Algerino shared his analysis in Le Parisien following PSG’s elimination. Clear-eyed about PSG’s current limitations, he discussed the psychological difficulty of bouncing back after an exceptional season and the importance of the crucial final stretch under Luis Enrique.
Algerino: “Waking up at the end of matches is in PSG’s DNA”
“Waking up at the end of matches is in PSG’s DNA, but it doesn’t always work. I’m not worried, though. The players and Luis Enrique are aware of this and will have to make an even greater effort.
The players aren’t machines. Psychologically, you can’t be at 100% all the time. When you’ve experienced a season as crazy as the last, there can be a letdown. That’s understandable. It’s up to Luis Enrique to get everyone back on track.”
Algerino: “The coming period is a bit quieter”
The coming period is a bit quieter, and the squad will be able to focus more on Ligue 1. The team could be less fatigued for the final sprint in March.
Jimmy Algerino’s comments resonate because he avoids simplistic explanations. Yes, PSG often has a habit of waking up late, and yes, this reflex has sometimes been enough. But an “exceptional” season leaves invisible marks. Repeating such an emotionally intense and mentally demanding year is almost a statistical anomaly. The highest level doesn’t forgive half-years played with restraint, especially when it comes to crunch time, that moment when every match counts double.
The real issue, therefore, isn’t physical fatigue, but mental exhaustion. Re-engaging after winning everything requires an almost unnatural effort. The quieter period Algerino mentions can serve as a buffer, provided it’s used intelligently. The final sprint in March doesn’t reward the teams that shone in the autumn, but those capable of bringing intensity back when the game gets tight. In this respect, PSG is under intense scrutiny.
