Ten million euros, one month, and doubts
Lucas Digne came back to Paris Saint-Germain this summer for 10 million euros. Four weeks later, nobody inside the club is handing him the benefit of the doubt.
L’Equipe describes a rough opening chapter. Adapting to Luis Enrique’s demands takes time, and that part nobody holds against him. The rest is landing badly. The paper says PSG want a completely different attitude from their new left back.
Friday night at Lille told the story better than any quote. Nuno Mendes was unavailable. Digne stayed on the bench anyway. When a defender signed as cover cannot get on the pitch with the starter missing, that is a message.
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“He needs to wake up”
The verdict from inside the club, relayed to the sports daily, ran to four words. He needs to wake up. Accept the backup role, fine. Do not treat Paris as a comfortable place to wind down a career.
What they want from him is a fight. Push Mendes. Recognise that the Portuguese will not start 50 games between now and May, and that the minutes are there for someone willing to chase them. That scrap for playing time is part of settling in, the same source said.
There is a fitness question too. Several of the club’s World Cup players reported back late and are still climbing back to full sharpness, and Digne is in that group. His entourage pushes back, insisting the motivation has never been an issue.
A start to the season that flatters nobody
Paris are not exactly serene right now. They lifted the UEFA Super Cup against Aston Villa, then lost the Champions Trophy to Lens, then drew twice in Ligue 1. Rennes 2-2. Lille 2-2.
Two points from six. The French champions have not found any rhythm, though the late equaliser in Lille went down well enough with Luis Enrique.
The other summer arrivals are not helping his case. Ferran Torres scored twice on debut in Brittany. Maghnes Akliouche started at Lille. In Paris, that kind of comparison spreads fast.
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