PSG Talking PSG Talk Podcast Network

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.

Paris Saint-Germain faces an uphill battle in their tie against FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, but there is hope for Les Parisiens to pull off a la Remontada of their own in the rematch.
On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined once again by Dan Hilton of The Barcelona Podcast to recap the 3-2 defeat to Barcelona and look ahead to next week's second leg. PSG supporter, Drew, also joins the show to give his thoughts on the tie and both give us a prediction of who they think will advance to the semi-final.
First, Dan shares his thoughts on how well Barcelona played and how tactically they kept Kylian Mbappé from doing any damage over 90 minutes. We also discuss how Barcelona managed to limit their mistakes and take advantage of PSG's questionable starting lineup. We also preview the return leg, and Dan shares his level of concern going against what should be an improved PSG with Achraf Hakimi returning to the starting lineup.
Next, Drew comes on the show to also recap the defeat at the Parc des Princes. We discuss how Gianluigi Donnarumma's abysmal performance, Ousmane Dembélé's goal celebration, and the positives that came out of the defeat. We also look at the season as a whole and whether it's been a success for PSG should they bow out of the Champions League next week.
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.

One of the best European rivalries will be renewed on Wednesday at the Parc des Princes when Paris Saint-Germain host FC Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
On this episode of PSG Talking, I preview the first leg of PSG's clash against Barcelona with the help of Dan Hilton from The Barcelona Podcast and Jonathan Johnson from CBS Sports. We discuss every angle of the highly-anticipated rematch from 2021 and Johnson also updates us on the latest transfer news involving PSG.
Up first is my interview with Dan and we begin with Barcelona's finances and whether their fans expected the club to reach this stage of the Champions League. We then pivot to Barcelona's recent results, form, and key injuries.
We know Kylian Mbappé will be a major focal point for Xavi, Barcelona's manager, and I ask Dan how he thinks the Catalan club will slow down the French superstar and whether he is looking forward to facing him next season when Mbappé likely makes the move to Real Madrid.
I wrap up the interview with Dan by asking him about Xavi Simons, who began his career in the Barcelona academy before making the move to PSG, and his prediction for the first leg of the tie.
Next is my interview with Jonathan Johnson and I begin with the PSG and Barcelona rivalry and where it ranks among matchups that occur in the Champions League. I also ask JJ about the one Barcelona player that PSG must shut down to be successful and who for PSG, besides Mbappé, needs to have a standout performance.
Johnson gives us his prediction for the match before switching to transfer talk. I asked about Jules Koundé's future and whether PSG could sign the Barcelona defender this summer. I also ask Johnson whether Arsenal FC was a realistic landing spot for Xavi Simons, the latest on Leny Yoro, and an under-the-radar Ligue 1 player that PSG should target this summer.
The interview with Johnson concludes with his thoughts on Real Madrid's stance on not allowing Mbappé to play in the Summer Olympics with France and the impact that may have on the relationship between the two sides.
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.

Ligue 1 returned from the international break with the marquee fixture of the season, Paris Saint-Germain at Olympique de Marseille, and as usual, there were plenty of fireworks.
On this episode of PSG Talking, I'm joined by Ethan from PSG Fan Club Boise and long-time contributor Marc Damon to discuss PSG's 2-0 win over Marseille at the Orange Vélodrome. We also look ahead to Wednesday's clash against Stade Rennais in the Coupe de France and discuss the lead-up to the match against FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
We begin with Luis Enrique's starting lineup. Considering the injuries, did PSG play its best starting lineup possible? We also discuss Ousmane Dembélé's role as a false nine.
Late in the first half, Lucas Beraldo was sent off with a straight red after VAR took a closer look at his challenge on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. We discuss the incident and the referee who made the questionable decision.
To start the second half, Luis Enrique took off Randal Kolo Muani and whether the Frenchman has a long-term future at PSG.
Vitinha opened up the scoring in the 53rd minute with a brilliant run and a perfectly placed shot. Vitinha has consistently shown up when PSG needs him most throughout the season, and it was no different against Marseille. We highlight his performance and what he's meant for PSG this season.
In the 65th minute, there was more controversy as Kylian Mbappé was subbed off along with Dembélé. Both players left the pitch and went to the dressing room, but Mbappé, in particular, didn't look pleased with the decision. We discuss why Luis Enrique took off Mbappé and what it could mean for the rest of the season.
We wrap up Le Classique by discussing Gonçalo Ramos' goal, whether he'll stay at PSG beyond this season, and Gianluigi Donnarumma's incredible performance, in which he made 10 saves.
The show concludes with us previewing the match against Rennes this week in the semi-final of the Coupe de France and whether PSG is in a better position, having two more games to play than Barcelona before the two meet at the Parc des Princes on April 10.
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.