PSG Buoyed by Pogba’s Return Open Ligue 1 Campaign Amid Fatigue Concerns

Paris Saint-Germain begin their Ligue 1 title defence this weekend with confidence high after a historic campaign, but questions linger over the toll of a gruelling season.

Luis Enrique’s side, crowned Champions League winners in May after defeating Inter Milan, also lifted the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Tottenham on penalties.

The triumph was all the more impressive given PSG had just one week of pre-season training and played no friendlies, having only recently concluded a marathon 65-game season with a Club World Cup final loss to Chelsea on July 13.

It is only the second time in Ligue 1 history that the reigning Champions League winners will feature, the first being Marseille in 1993. While PSG’s historic European victory has electrified supporters, the lack of rest could impact performances later in the campaign.

“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 said this week, acknowledging the physical and mental demands ahead.

The new season also marks the return of Paul Pogba to French football, adding further intrigue to the league. Meanwhile, Paris FC’s rise offers fresh competition in the capital’s football scene. With the curtain lifting on Ligue 1, all eyes will be on whether PSG can balance their lofty ambitions with the demands of another long season.