PSG will continue to use two formations following Neymar's role change.
PSG head coach Christophe Galtier has explained his tactical changes in recent games, making it clear that a return to a three-man defense is not out of the question.
PSG took a different approach in their last two Ligue 1 games, defeating Marseille and Ajaccio with a four-man backline.
The change has an impact on Neymar, who has been in excellent form this season, as he was moved inside against Marseille after previously playing on the wing.
Galtier acknowledges that the defensive demands on the Brazil forward – or anyone else in that position – have changed, but he wants his players to work as a team “whatever the formation.”
“We changed the system for various reasons,” he explained ahead of the game against Maccabi Haifa on Tuesday. “In this formation, we played two games.
“Whatever the formation, you must always run, and even if we must evolve in this formation tomorrow [Tuesday], we must rely on each other’s efforts.
“However, it is true that the player who plays under both strikers is more precise defensively.”
However, as Galtier pointed out, this is not necessarily a long-term change “Do not believe that the three-center-back formation has been abandoned. Having two formations and two systems is advantageous.
“The first worked well at first but became unsustainable for various reasons. I had an idea to capitalize on the quality of our squad and strikers.
“I asked my staff to consider how to make the best use of my squad and position the players optimally. I decided it was time to try something new.”
Galtier also praised Fabian Ruiz’s performances in the new system, which he believes suits the Spain midfielder.
“I have a strong midfield, and we had to wait for them to step up. Fabian plays in a position familiar to him, in a preferred zone “Galtier explained.
“You need very specific players to change a formation, and Fabian is that.”
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