Paris Saint-Germain step into the new Ligue 1 season this weekend carrying the glow and the fatigue of being Europe’s newly-crowned kings. Their triumph over Inter Milan in May ended a long wait to bring the Champions League trophy to France, something only Marseille had achieved before, back in 1993.
But the celebrations have left little room for rest. Luis Enrique’s squad returned from a marathon campaign that stretched to 65 matches, ending with a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final in the United States on July 13. Barely a week later, they were back in training with no pre-season friendlies before lifting the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, overturning a two-goal deficit against Tottenham and winning on penalties.
It’s a blistering start for a team still catching its breath, and the lack of a full summer break could haunt them as the season unfolds.
“What we did last season had been the objective for all PSG supporters, for the whole club, and for everyone who played for the club,” Luis Enrique reflected this week.
Adding to the intrigue, the league welcomes back Paul Pogba, returning to French football after his time abroad. His arrival adds another layer of star power to a season already charged with storylines and one question: can PSG’s European high carry them through another gruelling year, or will the short turnaround take its toll?
