This Friday at 8:45 p.m. (CET), Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will host Strasbourg (3rd) at the Parc des Princes for Matchday 8 of the 2025–2026 Ligue 1 season.
In his pre-match press conference, Liam Rosenior, the Strasbourg head coach, spoke with notable confidence ahead of the clash.
Rosenior: “In 2025, we’ve been the second-best performing team after PSG.”
“I think our process has worked well so far. When we faced them for the first time, we were only at the beginning of our project. We haven’t changed our approach or our principles. The team keeps improving and performing with time, and I strongly believe in that.
In 2025, we’ve been the second-best performing team after PSG — only five points behind them over the calendar year. That gives me great confidence in my players, even if they don’t always realize how good they can be.”
It’s refreshing to hear an opposing coach speak with ambition before facing PSG. Too often, teams arrive at the Parc des Princes merely hoping to defend and survive the match. Rosenior’s words suggest a bolder mindset, one that could make this encounter far more open and competitive.
Of course, big words don’t always translate into brave football, but Strasbourg’s current form and confidence hint that they might truly try to play their game, not just endure PSG’s dominance.
For Paris, this will be a test of focus right after the international break — many players have only just returned from duty. But that’s the reality of top-level football: rhythm must be found immediately.
It’s a real early-season showdown between the league leaders and one of the surprise contenders, and PSG cannot afford any complacency.
