PSG boss Laurent Blanc content with victory
Paris St Germain coach Laurent Blanc acknowledged his side were not yet back to their best but was satisfied with Sunday evening's 2-0 triumph over Gazelec Ajaccio. The Ligue 1 champions struck twice early, through a fierce Blaise Matuidi blast and a powerful header from captain Thiago Silva, to see off the promoted outfit at the Parc des Princes.
"It was a good game," Blanc was quoted as saying by www.lequipe.fr. "The match could have been more dramatic and we could have scored one or two more, but the goalkeeper (Clement Maury) made some decisive saves. Blanc added: "Having mastery of the ball, I love it, but we must be efficient and score, which is the most difficult thing in football. Overall, I am satisfied, except for the last 15 minutes of the first period, where there was some relaxation on our part. We have the individual quality, but we also need the quality and the collective determination. Much of the match was satisfactory, but we must be aware of the need to remain focused regardless of the opponent. We are not yet physically at our top level because there is a big difference between those who returned on July 6, and those who returned on July 25."
The capital club could not add to the scoreline despite their domination, but ended the weekend top of the fledgling standings - on goal difference from Reims and Caen. "I am never disappointed when we win," Blanc added. "One of my big satisfactions is that we have so far conceded no goals in three competitive matches (also 2-0 Trophee des Champions win over Lyon and 1-0 opening league win at Lille last weekend). This is a marathon and we will fight to take maximum points until the 38th round of league matches."
Blanc praised the contribution of Thiago Motta, who has been heavily linked with a move away from Paris this summer. "I have always considered him to be an important player and I appreciate him very much, as do the spectators and all his team-mates," the PSG boss said of the wantaway midfielder, whose corner set up Thiago Silva's goal.
New signing Angel di Maria was presented to the home fans before kick-off, but was not included in the matchday squad as he continues to build up his fitness following his big-money move from Manchester United. One other new boy was not so well received, though, with defensive midfielder Benjamin Stambouli - a recent acquisition from Tottenham - booed by some sections of the fans.
"Why the whistles? Because he was born in Marseille?" Blanc queried. "If no-one has the right to be born in Marseille and play for PSG? Some supporters forget that many great players in the history of Paris St Germain were born in the south."