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Mixed martial arts Silvestre: Lens Defeat Could Help PSG to Stay Focused in the Champions League
Following on from their shock 3-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain on New Years Day, RC Lens closed the gap between them and PSG to four points. This was a statement win that sent shockwaves throughout Ligue 1 and a warning message to a PSG side.
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Reaction to PSG’s Defeat to Lens
PSG were without the World Cup winning Lionel Messi as well as the suspended Neymar who was sent off in their prior game due to simulation. However, PSG would have still believed they had enough artillery through the likes of Achraf Hakimi, Marco Verrati and Kylian Mbappe to see off RC Lens.
Przemyslaw Frankoswki gave Lens an early 5th minute lead to shock the reigning champions. However, as champions tend to do, PSG immediately hit back through 20 year old Hugo Ekitiké who is currently on loan from Reims.
According to former French international defender Mikael Silvestre, who plied his trade for the likes of Inter Milan, Manchester United and Arsenal, Lens may benefit from not being in any European competitions this season.
He reflected: “The gap between Lens and PSG is four points now and Lens is not playing in European competition. They just have the cup now and the league.”
Silvestre, like many, was shocked by the result due to the disparity in quality available to PSG in comparison to the rest of the teams in Ligue 1.
“They are in very good form now but normally when Messi, Neymar and Mbappe are tuned in, it’s not really a race in France.”
PSG’s Champions League Hopes
Yet Silvestre is excited at the prospect of another genuine title challenge in Ligue 1. He’s also of the belief that if PSG are pushed by Lens until the end of the season, it could also help them in their quest for Champions League glory which continues to evade the club.
“It could be good to have one challenger in Lens till the end of the season. It will actually help Paris to stay focused and help them in the Champions League also.”
PSG will be looking to get back to winning games, with their first opportunity being in the French Cup agaisnt Châteauroux before their league clash with Angers.
How Rennes are Standing Out
In the top half of the table, Silvestre has also been impressed with his former club Rennes who will be taking on PSG in two weeks time. Silvestre singled out their manager Bruno Génésio for the brand of football now on display. Rennes, who currently sit 4th in Ligue 1 and are four points off closest rivals Marseille have now twice in all competitions this season.
“Rennes, I think for me, the manager needs to be praised because he’s having them play some good football and it’s enjoyable to watch them. They’re playing good football and the manager has done a really good job.”
Rennes next find themselves up against Bordeaux in the French Cup this weekend before returning to league action in their matchup against Clermont Foot next Wednesday. Clermont have lost their last three matches so Rennes will be going into the game confident of a victory as they seek to keep pressure on league leaders PSG.
