The 2001/2002 season for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was a challenging one, with mixed performances both domestically and in European competitions. Here's an overview focusing on their away performances:
1. Ligue 1 Campaign: PSG had a relatively disappointing season in Ligue 1 during the 2001/2002 campaign. They finished in 9th place in the league standings, which was below expectations for a club of their stature. Their away performances were particularly inconsistent, as they struggled to secure victories on the road against tough opponents.
2. Coupe de France: In the Coupe de France, PSG had a somewhat disappointing campaign during the 2001/2002 season. They were eliminated in the round of 32 by Lille. Their early exit from the cup competition added to the disappointment of the season.
3. UEFA Cup Participation: PSG participated in the UEFA Cup (now UEFA Europa League) during the 2001/2002 season. They advanced through the early rounds of the tournament before being eliminated in the third round by Rangers. While their UEFA Cup campaign may not have been as successful as they hoped, it provided valuable experience for the team in European competitions.
4. Squad and Key Players: PSG's squad during the 2001/2002 season featured key players such as Jay-Jay Okocha, Laurent Robert, and Ali Benarbia. These players played pivotal roles in the team's performances, contributing with their skill, experience, and leadership on the pitch. Despite their individual talents, PSG's overall performance as a team fell short of expectations.
5. Managerial Influence: The managerial guidance provided by Luis Fernández was crucial in PSG's performance during the 2001/2002 season. His tactical acumen and ability to motivate the players played a crucial role in shaping the team's style of play and competitive spirit. However, despite his efforts, PSG struggled to achieve consistent results, particularly in away matches.
Overall, the 2001/2002 season was a challenging one for PSG, characterized by underachievement in both domestic and European competitions. Despite boasting a talented squad, the team failed to perform at their best, particularly in away matches, leading to a disappointing campaign overall.