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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are enjoying arguably the greatest summer transfer window in the history of the game.
They have already signed Sergio Ramos, Georginio Wijnaldum and Gianluigi Donnarumma on free transfers, with Achraf Hakimi arriving on a big-money transfer. The cherry on the cake, though, is Lionel Messi, with PSG all set to confirm the acquisition of the superstar in the next few hours.
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Paris Saint-Germain now have the best squad in Europe, and will look to win all competitions next season. That includes the Champions League, which has been the dream of the club's owners for quite some time.
The squad PSG have assembled means they will be the favourites to win the prestigious tournament. However, we look at five reasons why PSG could still struggle to win the UEFA Champions League this season.
#5 Mauricio Pochettino is yet to win a major trophy
Mauricio Pochettino is a highly talented manager, as his time with Tottenham Hotspur clearly showed.
Pochettino led an unfancied Tottenham Hotspur side to the final of the 2019 UEFA Champions League, and helped develop the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli. It was not surprising to see the Argentine heavily linked with Manchester United as well before he moved to Paris.
However, despite his managerial nous, Pochettino has not won a major trophy at any club he has managed. That was often a stick used to beat him with during his time with Tottenham Hotspur, and at Paris Saint-Germain as well, that has been no different.
The 49-year admittedly took over midway through last season, but it was still a big surprise to see PSG fail to win the Ligue 1. Pochettino's men did win the Coupe de France, though. But the Champions League is a different beast altogether.
The same narrative may continue this season. Pochettino's team have started the new campaign with a 1-0 loss to Lille in the Trophee des Champions, with Jocelyn Gourvennec's side lifting the trophy.
#4 PSG lack a world-class midfield playmaker
PSG's squad is the envy of Europe, and it is very difficult to find a weakness in the side. They could do with some creativity in midfield, though.
The likes of Ander Herrera, Marco Verratti, Georginio Wijnaldum and Idrissa Gueye are industrial, hard-working players who will put in their best at the heart of midfield. However, none of them are creative players.
The burden of consistent creative production will eventually rest on the shoulders of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar, with Angel Di Maria chipping in when needed as well.
Di Maria could potentially slot into midfield, although it remains to be seen what Pochettino's plans are. PSG have shown that they are not afraid of splashing the cash, but surely someone like Kevin De Bruyne may be well out of their reach.
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#3 PSG have issues at left-back
PSG have had issues with their full-backs in recent years, a problem they have tried to address by signing right-back Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan this summer for £54 million.
At left-back, though, they will have to rely on the injury-prone Juan Bernat and the inconsistent Layvin Kurzawa. Both Bernat and Kurzawa are not top-quality left-backs, and Bernat is recovering from a serious injury and made only three appearances in all competitions last season.
Centre-back Abdou Diallo can operate there, but it would be akin to a square peg in a round hole. PSG utilised young Dutchman Mitchel Bakker there last season, but the 21-year-old has been sold to Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent deal this summer.
AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez was heavily linked with a move to PSG earlier this summer, but those rumours have since died down. AC Milan will not let go of Hernandez for cheap, and PSG's focus right now is clearly elsewhere.
#2 Less competition in Ligue 1
PSG failed to win the Ligue 1 title last season, losing out by a solitary point to Lille. That is unlikely to be the case this season, though.
With the arrival of Lionel Messi, the Parisien giants will boast arguably the best squad in the history of the game. A front three of Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe would cause havoc against most defences in world football, so other Ligue 1 clubs have been suitably warned.
The Parc des Princes outfit will be overwhelming favourites to win Ligue 1. The French top-flight does produce exciting talents on a regular basis, but the quality of the competition is not very high.
The low intensity of the league could cost PSG the Champions League trophy. Against tougher opposition in Europe's premier club competition, PSG could struggle after playing out relatively 'easier' teams in the league.
#1 Imbalanced attack
An attacking trident of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi is easily the best in the game. Add to that the likes of Angel Di Maria, Mauro Icardi, Pablo Sarabia and Julian Draxler, and PSG have the ability to outscore most opponents.
However, despite the attacking prowess of Messi, Neymar and Mbappe, the trio doesn't contribute defensively. Given the world-class numbers the trio has produced over the years, that is understandable, though.
Pochettino likes his attackers to track back, but he may have to make some exceptions this time around. So it remains to be seen how that would affect the team's performances.
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