PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain dominated Ligue 1 last season, losing only two games as it benefited from a lack of domestic rivalry to also embark on a victorious Champions League campaign.
But things might prove more difficult for coach Luis Enrique and his PSG team this season, because Marseille and Monaco are determined to mount credible title challenges after strong summer signings.
PSG, whose first competitive test of the new season came in a comeback win Wednesday over Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup, also has a long-awaited local derby against newly-promoted Paris FC to contend with. Get ready for PSG vs. PFC.
But first, the season begins with Marseille at Rennes on Friday. Monaco is at home to Le Havre on Saturday and PSG is at Nantes on Sunday.
Here’s a look at the upcoming season:
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Intercity rivalry
For the first time in 35 years two Paris-based soccer clubs are in Ligue 1.
Paris FC’s takeover by France’s richest family, the Arnaults of luxury empire LVMH, also saw energy drink giant Red Bull become a minority stakeholder.
It gives PSG fans a genuine city rivalry against a very close neighbor.
Because Paris FC, also known as PFC, changed stadium following its promotion and will now play at the 20-000-seat Stade Jean-Bouin — which is right across the street from PSG’s Parc des Princes.
PFC owner Antoine Arnault, the son of billionaire Bernard Arnault, used to be a PSG season-ticket holder.
“I’ve loved PSG since I was 12,” Antoine Arnault said. “You will never hear me say anything negative about PSG.”
The teams meet at Parc des Princes on Jan. 4. Paris FC will host PSG on May 16, the season’s final round.
Marseille offense
Coach Roberto De Zerbi has been proactive with his signings but his best move was keeping hold of influential midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
Marseille bolstered its attack by signing highly-rated Brazilian winger Igor Paixão in a deal that could rise to 35 million euros ($40.6 million).
Veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored 30 goals for Marseille two seasons ago, has returned. Attacking midfielder Angel Gomes joined from Lille and U.S. winger Tim Weah arrived from Juventus.
They supplement an attack already featuring Mason Greenwood, who scored 21 league goals last season, and skilful finisher Amine Gouiri.
But the team’s heartbeat is Rabiot.
He was Marseille’s best player last season following a surprise move from Juventus, and the 53-cap France international said he turned down offers to move during the offseason.
“I couldn’t see myself leaving when I think the best is ahead of us,” Rabiot told Le Provence newspaper. “We’ve put something into place with the coach and I want to be part of what’s ahead.”
Monaco’s challenge
Monaco started last season strongly but faded badly due to poor defending and erratic goalkeeping.
Coach Adi Hütter is determined to correct that and the Principality club has recruited veteran goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecky from Bayer Leverkusen.
Paul Pogba has also joined, along with Ansu Fati.
Pogba was once among the world’s best midfielders, and now he’s trying to re-ignite a career derailed by injuries and a doping ban.
Fati was once considered among the world’s best young players in the way Lamine Yamal is now. The tricky winger has joined on a season-long loan from Barcelona, offering the former teen prodigy another chance to resurrect his career.
With the prolific Mika Biereth in attack alongside forward Folarin Balogun, and with Eliesse Ben Seghir and Maghnes Akliouche supporting them from midfield, the goals should flow for Monaco.
Veterans return
As well as Pogba, there will be plenty of interest in how Olivier Giroud and Florian Thauvin do.
All three won the 2018 World Cup with France, although Thauvin was a fringe player.
The 38-year-old Giroud — France’s all-time record scorer with 57 goals — has joined Lille after leaving Los Angeles FC.
After winning Ligue 1 with Montpellier in 2012, Giroud joined Arsenal, then won the Champions League with Chelsea and the Italian league with AC Milan.
Thauvin joined from Serie A club Udinese and returns to Ligue 1 after playing the best soccer of his career for Marseille, scoring 53 league goals across three seasons from 2016-19.
PSG’s goalkeeper uncertainty
Gianluigi Donnarumma was arguably PSG’s best player during its stellar Champions League campaign. But he reportedly wants to leave after the club signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille.
Donnarumma’s future at PSG is in doubt after he was dropped from the squad for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup win against Tottenham.
Promoted clubs
Metz and Lorient went up with PFC.
Lorient won Ligue 2 thanks to striker Eli Junior Kroupi’s 22 goals.
Metz has Jonathan Fischer, a former substitute teacher, in goal. ___
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