Haven made clear their pursuit of glory in the Europe’s biggest soccer contest, the hierarchy at PSG reacted to their three consecutive quarter-final exit in the Champions League by relieving Laurent Blanc of his managerial duties despite his exploits in the domestic scene.

Thus, Unai Emery who led Sevilla to three successive Europa League triumphs was drafted in to replicate the same impact at the capital club. This season has been much tighter, and to be honest, much more entertaining, but it brings into question the appointment of the manager, a second nature to Laurent Blanc’s tenure. The team is less effiecient and altogether seems to be a step below last year’s team.

PSG sat third going into the Christmas break, with Nice seated at the top of the log, five points ahead of PSG. Emery has help PSG keep up appearances in the two domestic cups, with the club still in both competitions, the Champions League has been less fruitful as PSG drew Barcelona in the last 16 after finishing runners-up to Arsenal.

In addition to the worries at the club is the lack of or unsuccessful summer signings. Been unable to fill the void left by Ibrahimovic and the inability of Hatem Ben Arfa to live up to last season’s exploits at Nice. The greater disappointments have been Grzegorz Krychowiak and Jese, both bought for more than £25 million and on five-year contracts. Both have struggled to settle and break into the first team.

Big thanks to the purchase of Thomas Meunier, who has been fantastic with his great scoring prowess coupled with a solidified defensive strength. Latest club acquisition from Wolfsburg, Julian Draxler has already shown a clinical touch, scoring twice and linking up well with the rest of the attacking players.

On the back of this, then PSG ultras are slowly being allowed to return to the stadium, raising the atmosphere within the Parc des Princes and so perhaps the first half of Unai Emery’s inaugural year at the club is difficult to draw conclusions from, but it promises a busy and hopefully entertaining second half of the season.