Paris: Paris Saint-Germain will look to avoid another slip-up when they travel to Corsica to face Ligue 1 minnows Ajaccio on Sunday.
After again spending millions on top players in the summer, big things are expected from PSG. But they got the season off to a disappointing start when they needed a last-minute penalty to salvage a 2-2 draw at home to Lorient last weekend.
Javier Pastore, who joined PSG from Palermo for €42 million (Dh190 million) last year, is well aware of the expectations he and his teammates are under.
“This season, we are obliged to win every game,” he says. “We didn’t take our opportunities in the opening game, but the first match of the season is always difficult.
“We need to be calmer, more patient and confident in our play and travel to Ajaccio with the idea of fighting for the title from the start.”
Last season, PSG spent more than €100 million but finished second to a Montpellier team comprised of talented homegrown players, a superb centre-forward and the odd veteran in one of French football’s greatest upsets.
PSG, who are owned by Qatari investors QSI, upped their spending this year, splashing out €150 million on the likes of striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Brazil defender Thiago Silva and 19-year-old midfielder Lucas.
Ibrahimovic scored twice to help his team come back from two goals down against Lorient, but is a doubt after he pulled out of Sweden’s squad to face Brazil midweek with a foot injury.
Ajaccio will be hoping to have their own star striker ready in time for the match. Club president Alain Orsoni is currently in negotiations with Cesena to sign former Juventus and Chelsea forward Adrian Mutu.
