Marquinhos’ PSG captaincy under threat

Will Brazilian Marquinhos (29) retain the captain’s armband at PSG? The centre-back’s status could be at risk, according to a report this Thursday from Le Parisien. Until now, the former AS Roma defender was the undisputed skipper for Les Parisiens since the departure of his fellow countryman Thiago Silva to Chelsea FC three years ago. However, Marquinhos started PSG’s Ligue 1 opening-day home draw against Lorient on the bench with Milan Škriniar and Danilo Pereira featuring instead at the heart of PSG’s defense – it was the ever-reliable Portuguese who captained Luis Enrique’s side.

Le Parisien understands that competition for starting spots won’t get easier for Marquinhos. Newly-signed PSG defender Lucas Hernandez is expected to play as a centre-back as soon as Portuguese left-back Nuno Mendes returns to full fitness. Presnel Kimpembe will also return to the fore in the coming weeks. Despite this fall from grace, the second-most capped PSG player in history is reportedly still part of the club’s plans – he recently put pen to paper over a long-term contract extension, tying him to the club until 2027.

Nevertheless, even if Marquinhos is reportedly welcoming increased competition within the PSG squad, his status as skipper and as a starter is very much under threat, and not for the first time. Le Parisien understands that veteran Spanish centre-back Sergio Ramos was previously touted as a potential skipper when it became obvious that a struggling Marquinhos lacked support within the dressing room.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval