PSG midfielder Jennifer Echegini points to mental shift for European revival

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Jennifer Echegini says a new mental shift and greater self-belief are driving her team's revival in the UEFA Women's Champions League. PSG are currently unbeaten in the European competition with five points from three matches against Real Madrid, OH Leuven, and Manchester City.

Team Culture

The 25-year-old Nigeria international, known as Joe, has taken on a leadership role in a young dressing room following a difficult prior season where PSG finished 17th out of 18 teams in the league phase. Echegini noted that the team now appreciates every game and fights through the full 90 minutes, citing a late equalizer from Tara Elimbi to secure a 1-1 draw against Manchester City as proof of this improved fighting spirit.

Squad Talent

Domestically, Paulo Cesar's side sits second in the Premiere Ligue table, five points behind long-time rivals and reigning champions Lyon, who handed PSG a 4-0 defeat on October 17. Echegini highlighted several young players stepping up this season, including attacking forwards Lea Morissaint and Marie-Estella Lafontaine, goalscorer Tara Elimbi, 22-year-old starting centre-back Thiniba Samoura, Florianne Jourde, and Merveille Kanjinga.

Upcoming Fixtures

PSG now prepare to host Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes on November 10, 2026, in a crucial European encounter where both teams enter with five points from three games. The squad faces several important absences for the match, with Anais Ebayilin out for the season with an ACL injury, Rasheedat Ajibade sidelined with a leg fracture, and Sakina Karchaoui facing an absence due to an ankle injury.

Context

Football clubs competing in Europe often experience shifts in momentum between domestic leagues and continental tournaments. Building a cohesive team culture after roster turnovers and injuries remains a central challenge for top clubs aiming to challenge established domestic champions like Lyon.