Giresse bowled over by PSG: "The first half is magnificent"

PSG overturned Manchester City 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium in the league phase of the Ligue des Champions, delivering a performance that drew praise from Alain Giresse. The former French international was effusive in his assessment of a first half that he ranks among the finest displays by the Parisians.

“The first half is magnificent, Paris outclassed City with total control: everything was there, the goals, the chances and plenty of intensity,” Giresse told Parisien. The context made this test all the more significant: before this trip to England, PSG had suffered two defeats in France — against Lens in the Trophée des champions, then against Monaco in Ligue 1 — raising questions about the form of Luis Enrique’s side.

Giresse highlighted the contrast between their domestic performances and their display in Europe. “Compared to the league, where they are less dominant at the moment, we saw them in Ligue des Champions mode, in the version of PSG we know, with all its control. This first half is one of the finest they have produced. It was truly accomplished in every department,” he continued, while acknowledging that the Parisians had been “shaken up” in the second half.

On individual performances, Vitinha particularly caught the attention of the former Bordeaux player. “He has reached an enormous level. He set the rhythm for Paris’s game and proved himself worthy of what we know from him in the big competitions: both organizer and goalscorer,” he analysed, calling the Portuguese midfielder’s display “incredible”.

Désiré Doué also earned strong praise. “He scores, he creates goals. I’d say he was simply being Désiré Doué, because he shows us that every time. He’s a decisive player. Him and the others, we don’t need to wait to know if they’re good: they’ve proven it so much in recent years. And there, they pull out the big game. Hats off!”, Giresse concluded.