PSG focus back on Ligue 1 ‘crisis’
AFP/Paris
Paris Saint Germain turn their focus back to the more mundane matters of a faltering Ligue 1 campaign today, just days after securing their ticket to the glamorous Champions League knock-out rounds.
An Ezequiel Lavezzi double clinched the Parisians a place in the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv in the Ukrainian capital, just days after a home loss to nine-man Rennes saw the big-spenders fall off top spot in Ligue 1.
This week Carlo Ancelotti’s side are counting on a more straightforward task as they look to keep in touch with leaders Lyon and second-placed Bordeaux at home against promoted Troyes, second-from-bottom with just one win from 13 games.
Ancelotti’s side are two points behind Lyon and a point adrift of Bordeaux, but the Italian was encouraged by what he saw in Kyiv.
“We showed a great attitude in Kyiv, we must now show the same spirit against Troyes,” said Ancelotti.
Without a win in their last three league matches his demoralised squad have also been given a boost by their success in the elite European competition with a match to go against Portuguese giants FC Porto.
“We’re satisfied with this win,” said midfielder Blaise Matuidi. “It’s been 17 years since Paris have played in the Champions League knock-out round.”