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8 months ago
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A big victim of Kylian Mbappé’s repositioning at the forefront of the attack, Portuguese striker Gonçalo Ramos is having a very frustrating first campaign in the Paris Saint-Germain jersey. Recruited at a high price from Benfica in exchange for a package of 80 million euros, the Portuguese international remained stuck on the bench for several weeks. Between November and January, Ramos had only played six minutes. A use close to nothing, where Randal Kolo Muani has the chance to be more versatile and therefore to be able to be aligned on one side. But this Sunday, Gonçalo Ramos took on the costume of the great hero. Coming into play in place of Kylian Mbappé in the 64th minute, his offensive activity was decisive. He caused a first penalty (finally canceled by the VAR) then a second validated in the final moments, which he transformed to allow Paris Saint-Germain to secure a draw (1-1) against Stade Rennais, on the lawn of the Parc des Princes, as part of the 23rd day of Ligue 1.
Many people were surprised by this tactical decision taken by Luis Enrique. The Gijon native coach explained this choice by the desire and the objective of getting his group used to playing without Kylian Mbappé, who will leave for Real Madrid next summer: “Sooner or later, at some point, we will have to learn to play without Kylian. When I consider it appropriate, he will play or not play, like all coaches do with their players. I want maximum competitiveness for next season”, explained the Spanish coach at a press conference. This new philosophy is an opportunity for Gonçalo Ramos, under contract at PSG until June 2028, to make a good impression in order to confirm his status as a future top striker for PSG, at a time when many rumors are resurfacing in the Parisian news, from Rafael Leão to Victor Osimhen via Lautaro Martinez. Against Lille, on February 10, Ramos perfectly knew how to maximize his tenure by finding the net. And against Rennes, Gonçalo Ramos scored his eighth goal of the season, in all competitions.
Already our eyes fixed on 2025!
Author of a thunderous entry, replacing Kylian Mbappé as a symbol, the former Benfica player did not hide his pride, while displaying unfailing motivation for the course of events: “I am happy for my goal but not for the draw because PSG wants to win. Stade Rennais is a very good team, with very good players. We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy match. When I’m on the pitch, I’m always happy, even if I’m disappointed with the result. We know that the coach makes everyone play, everyone can participate in each match, that motivates us. Was there a fault? Yes, and I hit it hard”declared the Portuguese striker at the microphone of Canal+. It’s difficult to ask for more from the Olhão native who is champing at the bit, waiting his turn and taking advantage of every bit of the match, every little start or other opportunity to give the former FC Barcelona coach a hard time. This is enough to make an impression in this second part to redistribute the cards next summer, when the time will come to prepare for the post-Kylian Mbappé, who will join Casa Blanca as exclusively announced on January 7.
Questioned following his curious tactical choice, Luis Enrique wants to use his entire group, while PSG is still competing in three major competitions. And Gonçalo Ramos deserved these minutes. Totally winning coaching for the Spanish coach: “It’s very easy, there are competitions and my intention is not to give free minutes, I want maximum competitiveness. That every player deserves their playing time. Why Gonçalo and Kolo Muani? They have presence, I wanted to change the air of the match. I didn’t want to change Dembélé but I thought I perceived that he was in pain, I didn’t want to take a risk.he explained before continuing: “It’s a message for everyone. I am delighted with the attitude of my players. But if anyone thinks I’m going to give up on them, no. I want my players to say to themselves: “when I start, I have to take advantage of it”. I will continue to be demanding. But today I am delighted with the attitude. We had a very good attitude”, then concluded the former coach of La Roja. In any case, Gonçalo Ramos knows how to respond when called upon. And this efficiency will pay off in the near future…
