Presnel Kimpembe, 29-year-old defender for Paris Saint-Germain and the French National Team, was back in action on Tuesday evening in the 0-2 win over Le Mans in the 8th final of the Coupe de France 2024-2025. His return after 2 years out of the game has raised the question: what role can he expect to play in Paris from now on? Blaise Matuidi, former PSG midfielder and 2018 world champion with Les Bleus, is very confident about his ex-teammate. He explains to Le Parisien.
Matuidi “has a strong character, above average.”
“I’m more than happy to have him back. It’s great to be back competing with the club that means so much to him. He’s someone who puts a lot of heart into things. He has great qualities.
When you’re away for a long time, there’s always frustration. But he has a strong character, above average. He’s got a mind of steel. He’s a leader. He’s going to prove that he’s still capable of helping the team and performing well.
Matuidi “La Force Presko will be back”.
I’m sure PSG will need the grinta he can exude when he’s in top form. It’s really important to be able to rely on players like him, who have come through the youth ranks. I have every confidence in him. He’ll be back to his best, and the team needs him. He’s a great addition to the team. The Presko Force will be back.“
The former midfielder spent a long time with Kimpembe at PSG and in the French national team, so he knows him well and has confidence in him for a reason. He knows that Presko will give his all and that his determination is contagious for his team-mates.
However, that’s not really what we’re wondering about. The defender’s fighting spirit has always been admirable, and his perseverance in returning to PSG after an absence of almost 2 years is remarkable. Except that it’s not necessarily enough to play a real role on the pitch this season.
Kimpembe will undoubtedly provide support in training and in the dressing room, with his experience and desire to pass on. We’re less sure that he’ll be able to return to a level that will enable him to be a great asset in Ligue 1 clashes or in the Champions League. Even if we hope he does, of course. It’s a huge challenge for the defender in the face of the competition and the high standards that have been set at PSG.
