Phallon Tullis-Joyce Embraces Manchester United’s Impact on WSL and UWCL
U.S. Women’s National Team goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce shares her thoughts on Manchester United’s inaugural UEFA Women’s Champions League journey during a recent interview.
By Yash Thakur
November 11, 2025, 03:08 AM ET
In recent years, Paris Saint-Germain has established itself as one of the elite women’s clubs in Europe, having previously disrupted the 18-year reign of OL Lyon by claiming the French Première Ligue title in 2020-21 without a loss. However, since that achievement, they have consistently finished at least 10 points adrift of their rivals in subsequent seasons.
PSG has also been a consistent participant in the UEFA Women’s Champions League over the past decade, reaching the semifinals four times in the last six years and finishing as runners-up in both 2015 and 2017. Unfortunately, last season saw them exit the competition at the hands of Juventus in the second qualifying round with an aggregate score of 5-2. This season, PSG has experienced two defeats in as many matches, losing 4-0 to Wolfsburg and 2-1 to Real Madrid, with a match against Manchester United looming.
After years of potential, the current situation in Paris raises questions about their trajectory.
Significant Player Departures
The decline in PSG’s performance can largely be attributed to the substantial loss of talent within the squad, which has seen key players depart in successive transfer windows.
This summer, the team lost all-time leading scorer Marie-Antoinette Katoto to OL Lyon, along with U.S. international Korbin Shrader and midfielder Grace Geyoro, who joined London City Lionesses. Past seasons also saw influential players such as Christiane Endler, Kadidiatou Diani, and Sandy Baltimore (also to Chelsea) leave the club.
PSG has struggled to retain top talent, often losing them to direct competitors. A notable example is Malawi striker Tabitha Chawinga, who performed exceptionally during a loan spell but subsequently joined OL Lyon. This left PSG in search of new goal-scoring options.
A review of the current squad reveals a significant decrease in quality from previous years. While talents like Sakina Karchaoui and Griedge Mbock Bathy still shine, the overall depth and competitiveness of the squad have diminished as key players have joined rival clubs around Europe.
Shift in Tactical Approach
While change in squad dynamics is commonplace in women’s football, this sudden loss of key players has significantly affected PSG’s playing style this season.
Traditionally, dominant teams prioritize ball possession, but under manager Paulo Parente, PSG has transitioned to a more direct style following the acquisitions of players like Merveille Kanjinga and Jennifer Echegini.
Comparative statistics from this season show a notable decline in PSG’s possession-based play, illustrated by a drop in possession share from 62% last year to 56%, and a decrease in the pass-completion rate from 82% to 78%. This season marks the first occasion in four years that their completion rate has dipped below 80%.
As PSG struggles to maintain possession against opponents, it has resorted to more direct gameplay, evidenced by an increase in long-ball usage from 12.6% in 2024-25 to 17% currently, with an average of 104 long balls per game—up from 77 last season.
Defensive Challenges
The loss of key players has also impacted PSG’s defense this season. Although they managed to hold off domestic rivals—conceding six of their eight goals in a single 6-1 loss to OL Lyon—they have struggled defensively against elite attacking threats, giving up four goals to Wolfsburg and two to Real Madrid in the UWCL.
From 2021, PSG’s defense was anchored by current Barcelona player Irene Paredes and her partnership with Paulina Dudek, which was crucial in their title-winning campaign. Although Dudek remains, injuries have taken a toll, leaving the defense vulnerable in crucial matches.
New recruit Olga Carmona from Real Madrid started positively but has faced difficulties defensively this season. Meanwhile, Rasheedat Ajibade has had to step in at right back on occasions.
Additionally, goalkeeper Mary Earps is under scrutiny, having conceded 14 goals across seven games in all competitions, marking her worst save percentage (53%) in six seasons. Her struggles to handle crosses and weak performance against top teams have left the squad vulnerable during critical moments.
This week, Earps faces her former team Manchester United, presenting a chance to reverse the current trend in the UWCL. However, recent controversies surrounding her off-field activities could prove distracting for PSG as they seek to regain form.
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