Ligue 1 Opener: PSG Faces Opportunities and Challenges, Marseille's Minimum Target is a Champions League Return

As the new Ligue 1 season kicks off on August 17, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) enters the campaign with both significant opportunities and daunting challenges. Following the departures of star forwards Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, PSG is left without a clear-cut focal point in attack for the first time in years. While this has undeniably weakened their lineup on paper, it also presents an invaluable opportunity to develop a more cohesive, team-oriented style of play. Meanwhile, Olympique de Marseille, fresh off a summer of significant investment in both players and coaching staff, is poised to challenge PSG’s dominance despite missing out on European competition this season. As these two giants of French football prepare for their respective openers, the stage is set for an intriguing season where both clubs will have to navigate new dynamics and heightened expectations.

PSG's Post-Mbappé Era: Building a Team Without a Clear Superstar

PSG begins their title defense in the midst of what can only be described as a transformative summer. The long-running transfer saga surrounding Kylian Mbappé has finally concluded, with the French superstar sealing his move to Real Madrid. This transfer followed the exits of Lionel Messi and Neymar, marking the end of an era dominated by individual brilliance. PSG’s management now faces the challenge of building a team that operates without a singular attacking focal point—something the club hasn’t experienced in over a decade.

The chaotic nature of PSG's summer preparations has only added to the uncertainty. The postponement of the Trophée des Champions, which was initially scheduled to take place in Beijing on August 8, left PSG with just two pre-season friendlies to fine-tune their tactics. The French Football Federation’s (FFF) decision to delay the Super Cup, citing logistical concerns, has left many puzzled, especially given that France has previously hosted three successful editions of the event in China. With no apparent connection to the upcoming Paris Olympics, the delayed start means PSG will likely take longer to hit their stride this season.

In this new era, PSG head coach Luis Enrique faces the daunting task of devising a new offensive strategy. Historically, PSG has relied heavily on their superstar attackers to drive their offensive output. From Neymar’s dazzling dribbles to Mbappé’s blistering pace, PSG's game plan has often revolved around the exploits of individual brilliance. Now, with those stars gone, Enrique must instill a more collective approach, emphasizing teamwork and tactical discipline.

The lack of competitive matches before the season opener raises concerns about how quickly PSG’s players can adapt to Enrique’s system. The team’s cohesion will be put to the test as they take on Le Havre, a side known for their resilience and defensive solidity. Last season, Le Havre narrowly avoided relegation by securing a point against PSG, showcasing their ability to frustrate even the most potent attacking sides. Their defensive strength was their cornerstone, conceding just 45 goals, a remarkable feat for a club battling to stay in Ligue 1.

This defensive discipline is likely to be on full display again as they attempt to stifle a PSG side still searching for its new identity. Without the individual brilliance of Mbappé or Neymar to rely on, PSG will need to find alternative ways to break down Le Havre’s defenses. Given Le Havre’s superior match fitness, having played eight pre-season friendlies, PSG’s attack might struggle to find the fluidity and rhythm needed to breach their opponent’s backline. It’s plausible that PSG's attacking potency could be limited to a fraction of what fans have grown accustomed to, especially in these early stages of the season.

Marseille's Resurgence: Aiming for a Champions League Return

On the other side of the equation, Marseille enters the new season with renewed ambition and significant changes both on and off the pitch. Despite finishing a disappointing eighth in Ligue 1 last season, the club has made substantial investments to revamp their squad and coaching staff. Last season’s dual focus on both the domestic league and the UEFA Europa League appeared to stretch Marseille’s resources too thin, resulting in a dip in their league form despite reaching the semi-finals in Europe. This season, without the distraction of European competitions, Marseille is poised to channel all their energy into reclaiming a top spot in Ligue 1.

Marseille’s summer transfer window has been characterized by both departures and arrivals. Key players like Mattéo Guendouzi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have left the club, while promising talents such as Mason Greenwood have been brought in. The club’s net spend of approximately €80 million highlights their determination to build a squad capable of challenging PSG for domestic honors.

However, the most significant addition to Marseille's ranks might not be a player, but rather their new head coach, Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian tactician, who guided Brighton & Hove Albion to their highest-ever Premier League finish, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for getting the best out of his squads. De Zerbi’s appointment signals Marseille’s intent to play a more organized and dynamic brand of football, one that could exploit any weaknesses in PSG’s post-Mbappé transition.

Marseille’s season opener against Brest will be an early litmus test for De Zerbi’s impact on the team. Brest, who secured a historic third-place finish last season, will be a tough opponent, especially at home. Despite facing a challenging rebuild after losing several key loanees, Brest’s defense has shown marked improvement, conceding 20 fewer goals than in the previous season. Last year, Brest and Marseille each won their respective home fixtures, but this season, Marseille is expected to come out stronger, leveraging the tactical acumen of De Zerbi to outmaneuver their opponents.

Marseille’s absence from European competition this season may prove to be a blessing in disguise. With no midweek matches to contend with, they can fully focus on domestic competitions, giving them an edge over their rivals who are juggling multiple fronts. If PSG stumbles in the wake of their summer upheaval, Marseille could emerge as their most serious challengers for the Ligue 1 title. The prospect of PSG struggling to adapt to life without Mbappé and Neymar, combined with Marseille’s strengthened squad and astute management, sets the stage for a potentially thrilling title race.

As the Ligue 1 season begins, both PSG and Marseille find themselves at critical junctures. PSG, for the first time in years, must build a team without relying on a single superstar to lead the way. Meanwhile, Marseille sees this season as a prime opportunity to return to the Champions League and challenge for domestic supremacy. How these two clubs navigate their respective challenges will likely define the narrative of the 2024-25 Ligue 1 campaign. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as both teams take their first steps into what promises to be an unpredictable and exciting season.