Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has urged his players to improve their defensive organisation against rapid attacks after the defending French champions went two games without a win.
PSG were held to a 2-2 draw by Rennes on Sunday after conceding twice on quick breaks, following a 1-0 defeat to Lens in the Trophée des Champions.
Luis Enrique said PSG must be more attentive in transition and ensure players provide adequate cover for teammates.
“(Transitional play) was one of our strengths over the past three seasons,” Luis Enrique said after the Rennes game. “There are certain positions where you need to be sure your position is covered by another player. If you’re a little bit distracted, you can have problems.”
Quick Breaks Expose PSG
Both Rennes goals came from rapid counterattacks, exposing weaknesses that had also appeared in PSG’s defeat against Lens the previous week.
Sebastian Szymanski was given too much space on the edge of the penalty area for Rennes’ opening goal after a break down the left.
Esteban Lepaul then doubled the advantage following another swift attack down the right that dragged PSG’s defenders out of position.
Rennes came close to scoring a late winner after another counterattack, but PSG defender Willian Pacho cleared a header off the line.
“The counterattacks were not the only problem, it was also about the quality and speed of the Rennes forwards,” Luis Enrique said. “They were very dangerous and difficult to handle.”
Heavy Schedule Adds To Concern
Luis Enrique also pointed to the physical condition of his squad, with several PSG players having been involved in the World Cup and receiving little preseason preparation.
PSG had already played Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup on August 12, winning 2-1.
“I think it depends on the physical shape of the players,” Luis Enrique said.
Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, who played a major role for France at the World Cup, was substituted at halftime against Rennes after PSG had fallen 2-0 behind.
The match was originally scheduled to be played at PSG’s home ground but was moved to Rennes after damage to the pitch caused by a severe heatwave in Paris.
PSG will face another away test on Friday when it travels to Lille, looking to return to winning ways and tighten up defensively.
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