Arsène Wenger, former Arsenal coach and now Director of Development at FIFA, spoke to journalist Ben Jacobs about Paris Saint-Germain’s stunning victory over Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup. It was a 4-0 victory, and one in which he singled out the strikers for particular praise.
Wenger “They’re not afraid of you.”
“We live in a world of passing, but what they have in common with PSG is that they’re all dribblers. They can do one-on-one and then they make the pass. Dembélé, Barcola, Doué, they all attack you first. They’re not afraid of you. It’s very interesting to see from a dominant team.”
All PSG’s forwards are indeed great attacking players, all capable of creating chances and being decisive. With the titles they’ve won, they’ve shown that they belong at the highest level. But there’s no question of changing their behaviour.
If they have shone so brightly, it’s because they act for the team and create great chances. Coach Luis Enrique has made it clear to everyone that if the team is to be strong, we all need to be together, so that individuality can express itself to the full.
A huge pressing system has been put in place, a permanent aggression that doesn’t let the opponent set up his game, think or make the slightest mistake. This was clearly evident in this Club World Cup semi-final. Real Madrid missed twice, while PSG led 2-0 within 10 minutes.
