3 Things Paris Saint-Germain should do to rebuild after defeat to Real Madrid
PSG were one of the favourites to be crowned the champions of Europe following yet another eye-catching transfer window before the start of the season. And yet again, the early season hype didn't materialise on Europe's biggest stage, as they crashed out in the round of 16.
Their 2-0 lead in the aggregate scoring slipped away in the second half, with Karim Benzema netting a hat-trick to take Real Madrid through to the last eight of the Champions League.
Gianluigi Donnarumma's mistake led to Real's first goal - the start of a historic comeback for the hosts, making it easier for many to lay the blame at the feet of the young goalkeeper. But it would be nothing short of myopic.
PSG's problems are much more deep-rooted, and even if they would've passed the Bernabeu test, the Ligue 1 giants would've, in all likelihood, faltered against the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool in the later stages.
Here's what the club need to do in order to lay their claim as a serious contender for the next edition of the competition.
PSG should stick with Pochettino
Mauricio Pochettino might be the most likely individual to take the fall for the club's collapse. But sacking the manager, and starting another project, will be an easy way out for the decision-makers in the French capital.
The Argentine tactician's in-game management after Benzema's equaliser could've been better. Replacing Leandro Paredes with Idrissa Gueye allowed Real to dominate the possession and force PSG's backline deeper.
However, the fact that his side were better over the two legs, especially against a midfield of Real's calibre shouldn't be overlooked. Limiting Los Blancos to zero shots on target at Parc des Princes was no mean feat.
Further, the majority of the managers they've sacked in the last 10 years have gone on to prove their mettle elsewhere. Carlo Ancelotti, Unai Emery, and Thomas Tuchel, all have won the European titles after facing the axe at PSG.
With Manchester United reported to be waiting in the wings for Pochettino's services, the French outfit could end up ruing their decision very quickly.
Rebuild with a Plan
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@PSG_English 
@KMbappe 39' 
Tonight @PSG_English are eliminated from the @ChampionsLeague.
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PSG have to stop making opportunistic signings. Every high-profile free agent (cough, cough! Paul Pogba, Ousmane Dembele) doesn't have to be on their transfer radar. Instead, the cash-rich club first have to decide how they want to play and bring in players that fit the said set-up.
With Kylian Mbappe seemingly on his way to Real, they need to bring in his replacement, preferably a forward with a similar profile and age.
If Pochettino can't convince Neymar and Lionel Messi to back track out of possession, another option in the attack should be explored. And no, Cristiano Ronaldo, if he's made available by United, shouldn't be that new arrival. PSG don't need another shiny toy.
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Their midfield, bar Marco Verratti, is pretty average and should be upgraded in the upcoming transfer window.
Real scooped French sensation Eduardo Camavinga before their eyes, but there are several other midfielders plying their trade at cash-strapped Ligue 1 clubs, who can improve the league leaders in the middle of the park.
Boubacar Kamara of Marseille will be available for nothing at the end of the season. If he's out of reach due to the rivalry between the two clubs, Aurelien Tchouameni can be considered.
Further, they need to protect and keep the few players who possess the required attitude and quality in that dressing room. PSG's decision to let club captain Thiago Silva depart on a free transfer has proven to be one to forget.
The Brazilian has shown no signs of ageing at Chelsea, as he lifted the Champions League trophy last season under Tuchel.
Fix the Mentality
This isn't the first time Les Parisiens have crumbled on the big occasion, and it certainly won't be the last if they don't address the mentality of their squad.
The haunting nights against Barcelona, United, and Real Madrid in recent seasons prove a winning mentality can’t be simply bought in the transfer market.
They need to offload players, irrespective of the name on the back, who aren't ready to cover every inch of grass to cultivate the desired result. No manager in Europe is going to win the continent's biggest trophy with passengers in his lineup.
Forget what they did with the ball, PSG just have to look at the work rate and movement of Benzema (34) and Luka Modric (36) to see what is needed to end their painful wait for European glory.