When control isn’t enough: PSG search for last season’s spark

January 28, 2026 Oliver Obel

Paris St-Germain’s season remains stable on paper, but recent performances have reopened questions that appeared settled last spring. The European champions are still competing on multiple fronts, yet the assurance that once accompanied their control has begun to waver.

That unease surfaced again after last week’s Champions League defeat at Sporting. Luis Enrique, a coach rarely inclined to dwell on shortcomings, described the loss as PSG’s strongest away performance since his arrival. According to BBC Sport, the assessment surprised observers, even if the underlying statistics partially supported his claim.

Control without reward

In Lisbon, PSG dominated possession, attempted 28 shots and had three goals ruled out. None of that prevented a late collapse, as Sporting striker Luis Suarez struck twice to overturn the balance of the match.

"We deserved to win, but that's how it is in football," Luis Enrique said. BBC Sport noted that the outcome revived a familiar concern: PSG’s tendency to allow defensive lapses and wastefulness to undermine otherwise commanding displays, much as they did during the opening months of last season’s European campaign.

The difference then was the response. As the season progressed, control was matched by precision, particularly away from home. This time, similar authority has yet to produce the same consistency.

Attacking misfires

Last season’s fluid front line, often built around Ousmane Dembele operating as a false nine, disrupted defensive blocks and created space through constant movement. That sharpness has been blunted this term, replaced by slower circulation and fewer decisive actions in the final third.

League defeats to Marseille and Monaco illustrated the shift. Injuries to Dembele, Desire Doue, Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi offered some explanation, but PSG’s Coupe de France exit to Paris FC also reported by BBC Sport suggested problems that extended beyond fitness alone.

"We created a lot of chances, but we're lacking a bit of confidence and accuracy to finish them," Luis Enrique said after a narrow win at Auxerre.

Squad imbalance

Dembele’s gradual return has only highlighted how reliant PSG remain on his movement and intensity. Goncalo Ramos has struggled to impose himself when starting matches, often finding space limited against deep defensive lines. While his link-up play remains effective, his goals have largely come in late-game situations.

PSG’s commitment to promoting academy players has added energy but also inconsistency. Senny Mayulu has filled several roles across the pitch, while Ibrahim Mbaye has found the step up to regular senior football uneven. Warren Zaire-Emery, still just 19, has deputised competently at full-back, though Hakimi’s attacking influence has been difficult to replace. Hakimi’s anticipated return from injury may restore balance and ease the burden on younger players.

Pressure points

New signings have faced early scrutiny. Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier and defender Illia Zabarnyi were both involved in decisive moments during the Sporting defeat, reinforcing the challenges of adapting under intense scrutiny in Paris. Luis Enrique has defended his new arrivals, stressing that criticism is unavoidable in their first season at the club.

"It's all in the head," he said earlier this month. "When we're winning 5-0, nobody's tired. When we lose, everybody's tired. It's normal."

Searching for sharpness

With Newcastle next in Europe, PSG remain well placed in the broader picture. Qualification is still within reach, and domestic form has kept them near the summit. Yet beyond league tables and permutations, the concern is more nuanced.

PSG are searching for the edge that once turned control into inevitability the sharpness that made dominance decisive. Until that returns, familiar doubts are likely to linger.

Sources: BBC Sport