PARIS: Doubts about Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) ability to remain a dominant force in the Champions League following the departure of Kylian Mbappe are beginning to fade amid a stunning performance that has put the French club in perfect position ahead of a blockbuster last-16 clash with Liverpool.
The Qatari-owned club won the French league and cup double and reached the Champions League semi-finals in Luis Enrique’s first season in charge, with Mbappe scoring 44 goals.
With the France captain gone, PSG splashed out on new signings in the summer with the arrivals of Joao Neves, Desire Doue, Willian Pacho and Matvey Safonov.
However, the decision not to recruit a top scorer was seen to be self-defeating as they struggled in Europe while Randal Kolo Muani was ignored.
PSG have found the net just three times in their first five Champions League games this season, as defeats to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich left them on the brink of elimination before the knockout stages.
But their achievements in the last three months have been sensational, with the statistics proving it.
Since losing 1-0 to Bayern on November 26, PSG are unbeaten in 22 games in all competitions.
They have won their last five Champions League matches, scoring 21 goals in that period, including 10 in the second leg against Brest in the play-off round.
The 4-1 home win over Lille last Saturday was their 10th in a row in all competitions and allowed them to maintain their unbeaten domestic record this season.
“We are in great form, all systems are working,” said captain Marquinhos, who has been at the club since 2013.
“We really rely on the collective. It takes a long time. We are progressing step by step. But there are still things we need to improve.”
Ousmane Dembele is now the leader of PSG’s attack, transforming from a dazzling winger but without a good finish, to one of the most clinical strikers.
He has scored 26 goals this season, including 21 in 16 appearances since mid-December while playing mainly through central midfield.
“The team is doing well at the moment,” said Enrique, but he was concerned about Liverpool’s challenge, perhaps the toughest PSG has faced in recent months.
“We will play against the best team in Europe, who are impressively qualified, but it is not in our minds to speculate, to try to protect ourselves, to act defensively,” insisted Enrique.
“We will attack and try to change the game our way.”