Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann believes that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is poised to overcome its historical Champions League hurdles and secure their first European title. Ahead of the final against Inter Milan in Munich, which kicks off at 4:15 am AEST on Sunday, PSG is favoured to triumph despite scepticism surrounding the team after losing superstar Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid.
Initially, many doubted PSG’s potential in this tournament following a significant transition with the departure of Mbappe, marking an end to their star-studded ‘Galacticos’ era. They had previously showcased a formidable attacking trio featuring Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Neymar, yet fell short in the 2020 final against Bayern Munich. However, under the guidance of manager Luis Enrique, PSG has developed into a more cohesive unit, thriving without relying solely on individual brilliance.
Lehmann, who will cover the final for Stan Sport, pointed out that PSG’s performance without Mbappe has improved significantly. He noted that the team is playing more as a collective, which has led them to become stronger and more defensively solid during critical knockout stages. The former Spain manager has previous Champions League experience, having secured the title with Barcelona in 2015.
With key players like Ousmane Dembele—who is in impressive form having scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 and eight in the Champions League—PSG has plenty of talent to draw upon. Lehmann also highlighted the exceptional performance of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has been pivotal throughout the tournament, helping to keep clean sheets and contributing to PSG’s status as the team that has conceded the fewest goals in the competition.
Lehmann predicts a thrilling match, distinguished by contrasting styles and technical prowess. He expects the spectacle in Munich to surpass that of previous matches, suggesting that PSG’s attacking flair will likely make for a more aesthetically pleasing game compared to the defensive setups often seen from Italian squads like Inter.
As the anticipation builds for this clash, Lehmann’s confidence in PSG signals a significant shift for a club traditionally viewed as underperforming on the European stage. If successful, this final could mark a turning point for PSG in their quest for Champions League glory.