PSG Up Against It In Champions League As Qatari Project Risks Drifting

Paris Saint-Germain have developed a reputation over the last decade as being one of Europe's most glamorous clubs, albeit without ever claiming the Champions League glory so coveted by their Qatari owners. Now, however, a team stripped of superstars is drifting dangerously towards mediocrity and at risk of an unthinkable early exit from the continent's elite club competition. PSG are in Austria on Tuesday to face Red Bull Salzburg in what is a must-win game if they are to avoid being eliminated from the new-look Champions League before the knockout phase.

The top 24 teams at the end of the league phase go on to the knockouts, but the French champions are currently 25th with just four points and three goals scored after five matches.

Ten points may be needed to advance and Luis Enrique's team still have tough games against Manchester City and Stuttgart to come, meaning the pressure is on in Salzburg.

Runners-up in 2020 and semi-finalists last season, PSG have not gone out of the Champions League before the knockout rounds since 2004/05, when their biggest name was Portuguese striker Pedro Miguel Pauleta.

Since the transformative takeover by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011, PSG fans have become used to seeing glamourous players in their team, from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani, to Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

The departure of Mbappe after last season marked a change in policy, with PSG deciding to focus on building a new team with talented but unproven youngsters.

The likes of Warren Zaire-Emery, Joao Neves and Bradley Barcola, all aged between 18 and 22, are now regulars in Luis Enrique's team, while France winger Ousmane Dembele is probably the most recognisable face.

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