Ligue 1 2021/22: How RC Strasbourg manager Stéphan’s brave tactics gained them a point against complacent PSG – tactical analysis

The 2021/22 Ligue 1 season has been quite ordinary in some ways. The capital club, Paris Saint-Germain winning another title is a foreseen circumstance that many could have predicted, it is what is taking place below them that is surprisingly many.

Reigning champions Lille have failed to defend their title, while also being out of the Champions League picture. Lyon sits above Lille in 8th place, with their European journey ended by West Ham in early April  this campaign has been unsuccessful for Peter Botz.

While some teams have failed to find form this season, others have capitalised. Rennes and Marseille looking to be playing across the continent, whether in the Champions League or Europa league—only time will tell. RC Strasbourg has also been a beneficiary of the bigger clubs dropping off. Under new coach Julien Stéphan, Les Bleu et Blanc are in contention for spots within the top four, and if they manage to do so, would be their highest finish since the 1978/79 season when they won the title. Strasbourg makes good use of a good young core, featuring defender Lucas Perrin and Jean Ricner-Bellegarde who are still maturing as players. On the other hand, more experienced players such as Adrien Thomasson and Ludovic Ajorque have fared well so far this season.

While PSG may have nothing to play for, with the title already within their possession, Strasbourg may be able to take advantage of the league leaders’ potential complacency.

This tactical analysis will look into Strasbourg’s defensive tactics and how they nullified their opponents at times. Additionally, I will discuss PSG’s offensive strategy.

Line-ups

Strasbourg utilised a 5-3-2 formation, with Matz Sels starting in goal. Frédéric Guilbert and Dimitri Liénard occupied the wing-back positions. The back three consisted of, Lucas Perrin, Gerzino Nyamsi and Alexander Djiku. In midfield for the home side was, Adrien Thomasson, Sanjin Prcić and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. Up front, Ludovic Ajorque and Kevin Gameiro.

PSG employed a 3-4-1-2 formation, with ex-AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma between the sticks. Presnel Kimpembe, Marquinhos and Sergio Ramos started at centre-back with Achraf Hakimi and Juan Bernat at wing-back. Danilo Pereira and Marco Verratti formed PSG’s double pivot with Neymar, Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi operated as a front three.

The high line vs Kylian Mbappe

With the quality of players in the possession of PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino, most would grant the already title winners too much respect and simply sit back. While this approach is understandable, Julien Stéphan’s men decided not to veer away from their principles. Strasbourg was quite aggressive regarding attitude, and this can be depicted from their pressing against PSG. When their opponents were playing out from the back, the home side made use of a 2-2 structure high press, wanting to create a sense of pressure within PSG’s first phase of play. This tactic was beneficial at times, but because of the quality of the away side will always find pockets of space when progressing the ball. from this point, Strasbourg would retreat into a 5-3-2 mid-block, with their objective being to block passes into PSG’s double pivot consisting of Danilo Pereira and Marco Verratti. Strasbourg’s midfield line and striker line were quite condensed and narrow, prioritising the centre and in doing so leaving space in the wide areas.