PSG U19s Gear Up for Youth League Clash Against Girona
The Paris Saint-Germain U19 team is set to make their mark in the UEFA Youth League as they host Spanish rivals FC Girona at the PSG Campus in Poissy on Wednesday at 3 PM. This match marks the beginning of a challenging group stage for the young Parisians, who will face formidable opponents including Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, Atlético de Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Salzburg. The format of the league mirrors that of the UEFA Champions League, featuring a single league of 36 teams with the top 22 clubs advancing to the knockout stage.
The U19s are riding high on confidence, having won all four of their matches in the U19 national championship. Their latest victory came against Olympique Marcquois, where Rayan Abo El Nay delivered a stunning performance with a hat-trick, securing a 3-1 win. Following their Youth League opener, the U19s will continue their campaign against Montfermeil on Sunday at 3 PM, also at the PSG Campus.
PSG's Senior Team Prepares for European Campaign
Later in the evening, the senior PSG team will kick off their own European campaign at the Parc des Princes against Girona at 9 PM, with coverage available on Canal+. This season marks a new chapter for PSG as they adapt to life without star player Kylian Mbappé. Club president Nasser al-Khelaïfi emphasizes a shift towards a more collective team mentality, aiming to develop homegrown talent rather than relying solely on superstars.
Coach Luis Enrique expressed confidence in his squad, stating, “Even if we don’t have big names, we are ready to go for great things.” Marquinhos echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team's readiness to compete at the highest level. With four wins from four league games and a total of 16 goals scored, PSG is looking to build on their strong start and make a significant impact in this year’s UEFA Champions League.
What Lies Ahead for PSG?
As both the U19 and senior teams prepare for their respective matches, the focus is on establishing a strong presence in European competitions. The U19s aim to showcase their talent and progress through the Youth League, while the senior squad seeks to assert their dominance despite the absence of a marquee player like Mbappé. The upcoming matches will be crucial in defining the trajectory of PSG's season on the European stage.