Turbulent Week for PSG as Pressure Mounts on Blanc, Verratti Offers Support
Paris Saint-Germain have endured one of their most challenging weeks of the season, suffering back-to-back defeats that have cast doubt over head coach Laurent Blanc’s future. A painful 2–0 exit against Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday was followed by a narrow 1–0 loss to Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1 on Sunday — two high-stakes matches that dealt a blow to the club’s momentum.
These results have left Blanc, who has led PSG through a period of domestic dominance, under increasing scrutiny. While criticism from media and fans has intensified, some within the squad have stepped forward to defend the under-fire manager.
Midfielder Marco Verratti was among those publicly backing Blanc. Speaking to journalists during a signing event on Rue de Rivoli in Paris on Tuesday, the Italian international addressed the pressure surrounding the coach and the team.
“It’s quite normal to question the coach’s role after a defeat like this,” Verratti told L’Équipe.fr. “But if we had scored a goal in the 94th minute at Stamford Bridge, people would have called us phenomenal. That’s football.”
Verratti went on to highlight the collective responsibility shared by the squad, saying, “When you lose, the coach is always the one who gets blamed. But that’s not how it works. We, the players, didn’t play our best game at Chelsea. Everyone is responsible.”
Blanc’s tactical decisions and ability to motivate the team on the European stage are now under the microscope. Yet, despite the recent setbacks, PSG remain strong contenders for the Ligue 1 title — a factor that may weigh in his favour as the club’s leadership assesses the season overall.
With players like Verratti voicing their support and the domestic title still within reach, the coming weeks will be crucial for PSG. Blanc’s ability to steady the ship and maintain unity in the dressing room may determine not only the outcome of the league campaign but also his future at the club.
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