Les Parisiens switch to competition mode!
Having just arrived in Israel, where the Trophée des Champions will be played on Sunday, the Paris Saint-Germain players switched their focus to prepare for this first challenge of the campaign.
The last few weeks have set the tone. After an intense return to work at the training ground, our Parisiens continued their pre-season with a tour of Japan, which was marked by the training sessions and no less than three friendlies, with a victory secured in each.
So after the successful preparation in Japan, our Rouge et Bleu will officially kick off their season on Sunday in the Trophée des Champions. A first big challenge as the current league holders take on the winners of the Coupe de France.
"We have to win it. We want to take home a first trophy of the season, and we need to do it both for ourselves, but also for the fans who are always there to support us. So we will go there with the desire to win, to give 110%!" explained a highly motivated Gigio Donnarumma.
Christophe Galtier's side arrived in Tel Aviv on Friday evening, where they will prepare all the way up to the match on Sunday against FC Nantes. The squad selected by the French coach features youngster Warren Zaïre-Emery, as well as Vitinha, who impressed in Japan. Nordi Mukiele has also been called up for his first competitive encounter.
It's worth noting that Kylian Mbappé - suspended for the encounter - has remained in Paris , while Hugo Ekitiké will continue to add the finishing touches to his fitness ahead of the official return of Ligue 1 next weekend.
THE SCHEDULE IN Tel Aviv
Les Parisiens were greeted by several hundred local fans as they arrived at their hotel and they will now head to their rooms to rest.
On Saturday, the coach will speak to the press, alongside Marquinhos, in the traditional pre-match press conference. As always, you will be able to follow this live on PSGTV from 17:30 French time (18:30 local time).
An hour later, the training session will then be opened up to the media, and will also be available to follow on all of our official channels.
The focus will then turn to Sunday evening for the big match, scheduled for 20:00 French time (21:00 local time). The PSGTV team will be at the Bloomfield Stadium to bring to you your pre-match from 19:00.