PSG haven’t replaced Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer and will be relying on his understudy Edinson Cavani to provide the firepower up front. PHOTO: AFP
PARIS: Under new coach Unai Emery and with a new-look squad following the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paris Saint-Germain begin their quest for a fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title at Bastia tonight.
Ibrahimovic dominated the French game during his four years at PSG but has moved on to Manchester United after scoring 113 Ligue 1 goals, including a club-record 38 last season.
There has been no marquee name signed as the Swede’s replacement, but the capital side have recruited Hatem Ben Arfa on a free transfer from Nice and completed the purchase of Real Madrid’s Jese Rodriguez on Monday to further boost their attack.
PSG signs Jese from Real Madrid
“This season we have not bought players at exorbitant sums but that doesn’t matter. It is important to invest your money well,” said club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi at Jese’s unveiling.
PSG have spent around €65 million this summer, with Poland midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak following Emery from Sevilla and Belgium right-back Thomas Meunier arriving from Club Brugge.
Edinson Cavani will finally get his wish to be the main man in the Paris attack, although he is a doubt for the game at the Stade Armand-Cesari because of a thigh injury.
Hatem Ben Arfa signs for PSG
With Thiago Silva missing last week’s 4-1 Champions Trophy win against Lyon in Austria and Marquinhos away at the Olympics with Brazil, PSG may be light in defence, while Emery must choose between Kevin Trapp and Alphonse Areola in goal.
Bastia finished 10th last season but are usually strong at home, and Emery has rejected suggestions Ligue 1 will be easy despite PSG winning the title by a 31-point margin from runners-up Lyon last season under Laurent Blanc.
“If people say to me the league is easy, I respond that it’s easy if you work hard,” said Emery. “PSG have won a lot, which means they have worked hard and worked well. We need to keep doing that.”
Monaco also open their campaign tonight, entertaining Guingamp, now coached by former PSG boss Antoine Kombouare, at the Stade Louis II.
Other key opening fixtures include Saint-Etienne at Bordeaux, Nice against Rennes and Marseille at home to Toulouse.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 12th, 2016.
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