PSG Talking PSG Talk Podcast Network

Paris Saint-Germain capped off the 2023-24 season with a trophy celebration but also bid farewell to arguably the greatest player to ever wear the jersey.
On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Ethan from PSG Fan Club Boise to break down PSG's 2-1 win over Olympique Lyonnais in the Coupe de France final. We also look ahead to what's needed for PSG to take the next step, reflect on Kylian Mbappé's final match, and discuss our transfer wish list.
First, we dive into what we liked in PSG's win over Lyon. Ousmane Dembélé opened the scoring, and Fabian Ruiz doubled the lead in the first half. Surprisingly, both goals came off corners, which is something we haven't seen much this season. Mbappé and Bradley Barcola created plenty of chances, and the full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes joined the attack and were dangerous all match. Vitinha continued his stellar play, and we wonder if he's better than prime Marco Verratti.
Of course, there were negatives as well. From Fox Sports' lack of promotion leading up to the match to the PSG and Lyon Ultras clashing before kickoff to the poor play from PSG's center-backs off of set pieces, we go into detail about what needs to be fixed going into next season.
PSG closed out the season with a domestic sweep, having won the Trophée des Champions, Coupe de France, and Ligue 1. They also reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in Luis Enrique's first season in charge. We discuss the accomplishments and what it will take for PSG to take the next step under Luis Enrique.
We then hand out some awards, including the most improved player of the season, the most disappointing signing, and the goal of the season. We also talk about our transfer wish list and Dembélé's performance this season, and we conclude with talking about Mbappé's final send-off.
As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

It's a good thing there were fireworks after the match to celebrate Paris Saint-Germain's 12th Ligue 1 title because during Kylian Mbappé's final home match against Toulouse FC, there was very little to celebrate.
On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Marc Damon to discuss Mbappé's announcement regarding his future and why his legacy at PSG is so complicated.
Up first, we discuss Mbappé's rehearsed farewell video that was posted to his social media channels last Friday. We discuss the timing of the video's release and the fact he didn't mention PSG's president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
Then, we discuss the positives regarding Mbappé's legacy at PSG, but also some of the negatives, and that contrast is likely what caused some of the supporters at the match on Sunday to whistle when his name was announced. There's no question Mbappé has the best statistics at PSG and may be the best player in club history. However, he failed to deliver a UEFA Champions League title, and having his heart set on joining Real Madrid one day may have played a role in that.
We highlight Mbappé's potential role in his transfer rumors over the years and how he may have traded being loved unconditionally at PSG for the level of control he desired to get to where he always wanted to go.
The show concludes with us talking about PSG's future and why the goal has to be to build the best sporting project possible around Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, and PSG's other rising stars. If the club can do that, they may just win a Champions League title before Mbappé.
As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

It's been a difficult week for Paris Saint-Germain supporters. The club came up short of the UEFA Champions League final, and a superstar for the future may not want to rejoin the club.
On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Zacha from the PSG Talk Discord server to discuss the 1-0 loss to Dortmund. We also look ahead to PSG's future and discuss the latest Xavi Simons news.
Note: This episode was recorded before Kylian Mbappé announced that he would be leaving PSG at the end of the season.
Up first is the result against Dortmund. It was a frustrating night at the Parc des Princes. There was so much hope and belief that the club could overturn the one-goal loss in the first leg, but it wasn't meant to be. PSG recorded 30 shots, four of which hit the goal post, and failed to capitalize on numerous chances. We discuss whether there was anything Luis Enrique could have done and whether Kylian Mbappé's off-the-pitch drama impacted him in the tie.
We then look forward to how PSG can improve ahead of next season. Mbappé's departure means PSG will have to find attacking options to replace his offensive output of 40 goals per season. There's also a need for a starting midfielder and PSG's defense needs significant strengthening with the knee injury to Lucas Hernández that will keep him out for six or more months.
The show concludes with a discussion about Xavi Simons, who is reportedly not interested in returning to PSG once his loan at RB Leipzig expires. The 21-year-old is under contract with PSG until 2027, and if he's transferred to another club before 2025, PSV Eindhoven will receive a significant portion. It's a difficult situation for PSG to navigate and we discuss the likely outcomes.
As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

After a poor showing away at Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain must once again dig deep and come from behind to advance to the final.
On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Ethan from PSG Fan Club Boise to discuss PSG's 1-0 loss to Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park. We break down the game's only goal, Luis Enrique's lineup, Kylian Mbappé's performance, and much more.
We begin with the rhetorical question of whether or not PSG realizes they're in the semi-finals of the Champions League and what an incredible opportunity they have ahead of them. The performance against Dortmund left much to be desired, and very few PSG players stood out on the night. We discuss Dortmund's defensive tactics and what may have gone wrong for PSG's goalscorers.
Mbappé is the unquestioned leader for PSG, but against Dortmund, he was only held to three total shots. The Frenchman didn't step up like so many expected him to, and we debate whether Luis Enrique should move him out to the left wing and move Gonçalo Ramos into the striker role. We also discuss other potential changes the manager could make, including replacing Fabian Ruiz with Manuel Ugarte or Kang-In Lee.
Dortmund's goal in the 36th minute by Niclas Füllkrug was a thing of beauty. Nico Schlotterbeck played a long pass over the PSG defense from the Dortmund side of the pitch, and Füllkrug was able to stay onside, control the pass, and finish with power and precision. We discuss the goal in detail, including Ruiz's poor effort in tracking back.
Lucas Hernández was the lone defender who was almost able to block the shot on goal from Füllkrug, but as he did, he tore his ACL and is now out for six-to-seven months. We discuss that heartbreaking news and how Luis Enrique will replace him in the starting lineup.
We then transition to the return leg at the Parc des Princes on May 7. Despite the loss in the first leg, many supporters remain positive. We try to predict what changes Luis Enrique will make both in the starting lineup and tactically. We also talk about the importance of PSG getting an early goal, whether Mbappé could position himself for his first Ballon d'Or by reaching the Champions League final, and we give our final prediction for the return leg.
As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

Paris Saint-Germain entered Saturday's match against Le Havre ready to celebrate a Ligue 1 title with a win, but the visitors had other ideas and spoiled the party at the Parc des Princes.
On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Ethan from PSG Fan Club Boise to discuss PSG's come-from-behind draw against Le Havre, Warren Zaïre-Emery's big news, and we look ahead to next week's UEFA Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund.
We begin with the news that before kickoff against Le Havre, Zaïre-Emery was presented with a kit with "2029" on the back, signaling a five-year contract extension for the 18-year-old. We discuss the Frenchman's importance in the soon-to-be post-Kylian Mbappé-era and whether he will captain PSG next season.
Next, we dive into the 3-3 draw against Le Havre. A win would have seen PSG clinch its 12 Ligue 1 title in club history, but sloppy defensive play from PSG allowed a determined Le Havre side to score three goals and force Luis Enrique's squad to score two late goals to squeak out a draw. We discuss what we liked in the match, including Gonçalo Ramos' header and assist, and the fact there were no injuries. We also break down what we didn't like in the match, like the forgettable performance from Randal Kolo Muani and the poor defensive effort.
The second half of the show is all about the first leg of PSG's semi-final tie against Dortmund in the Champions League. We discuss Dortmund's recent result, a potential injury to a key player, and what lineup changes Luis Enrique may make for that match. While Ethan believes PSG should be a little on the cautious side and play Manuel Ugarte for extra defensive help in the midfield, I believe PSG should flex their offensive muscle and attack Dortmund on the road and try to put the tie out of reach as quickly as possible.
As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.

After years of coming up short in the UEFA Champions League and suffering some of the most painful defeats the game has ever seen, Paris Saint-Germain finally delivered on the big stage to reach the semi-finals.
On this episode of PSG Talking, I recap PSG's come-from-behind win over FC Barcelona. From Luis Enrique's starting lineup, to a controversial referee decision, to Kylian Mbappé's performance, I cover all the major incidents over the 90 minutes.
I begin with PSG's starting lineup, which featured an all-French front three of Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Bradley Barcola. After the first match where fitness issues and suspensions for Luis Enrique to adjust his lineup, the manager bounced back and played the ideal starting XI.
Next, I address Ronald Araújo's red card after taking down Barcola as he sprinted toward Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Did the referee make the right decision, or does Xavi and Barcelona supporters have a fair argument?
After the sending-off, Dembélé took advantage and converted a Barcola cross for his second goal of the tie. I talk about his performance and how important his goal before halftime was for Les Parisiens.
In the second half, PSG continued the offensive onslaught, and Vitinha eventually got on the scoresheet with a blast from distance. I discuss his performance and why you could make the argument that behind Mbappé, he's been PSG's most important player this season.
With the tie level on aggregate, it was time for Mbappé to take over and get PSG across the finish line. I talk about his two goals to put PSG comfortably in the lead. Could the Frenchman be thinking twice about leaving for Real Madrid?
After the final whistle, PSG celebrated in front of the traveling supporters. I discuss how proud I am of the team's performance and look ahead to the semi-final tie against Borussia Dortmund.
As always, thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe and rate the show wherever you download your podcasts. We’re also on Substack! Subscribe for free today to access premium PSG content.