You know, a few years ago, when PSG were spending heavily, dominating Ligue 1 and failing to win the Champions League, the narrative was that the quality of their domestic league was holding them back. People said that dominating a weak league gave them a false sense of superiority, which was exposed whenever they faced the big boys in Europe.
Now they've won the Champions League back to back and are still dominating, with a potential three-peat on the horizon, the excuse has changed to them benefiting from a less competitive league and being able to rest their key players.
So, when they weren't winning, it was because their league wasn't competitive enough to prepare them for Europe. Now that they're succeeding, that same lack of competition is being used to diminish their achievements.
I won't pretend that resting key players doesn't give them an advantage, but I refuse to be one of those people who reduce their hard work, ruthlessness and tactical brilliance to "they rest their players."
This PSG team is a machine. They would finish in the top two or three in any league in the world. They have an elite manager, brilliant mavericks, world-class players and a sporting director who knows exactly what he's doing in the transfer market.
Look at their new signing, Aklichou, balling out against Manchester City last night while Kvaratskhelia was sitting on the bench. That's the quality and depth of this squad!
PSG aren't dominating Europe because they get to rest players. They're dominating because they've built an exceptional team with an exceptional coach and a clear footballing identity.
Give PSG their flowers. They've earned them through their performances, and constantly searching for excuses to diminish their achievements does a disservice to the quality of this team.