PSG | 2017-18 Performance Thread | Tuchel becomes coach on a two-year deal

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Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, commonly referred to as PSG, is a French professional association football club based in Paris, whose first team play in the highest tier of French football, the Ligue 1. The team was formed in 1970 by the merger of Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain.


Having clinched 30 titles in its history, PSG is the most successful club in French football and one of only two French clubs (with Olympique de Marseille) to win a major European club competition.


The Parc des Princes has been the home stadium of PSG since 1974. The Camp des Loges has served as the club's training centre since 1970. The Tournoi de Paris has been hosted by the capital club at Le Parc since 1975. PSG shares an intense rivalry with Marseille and contest the most notorious football match in France, known as Le Classique. PSG is the second-highest supported football club in France after rivals Marseille. Qatar Sports Investments became the club's sole shareholder in 2012. The takeover made PSG the richest club in France and amongst the richest in the world.


HONOURS




+ 2017: winner of the French cup and the League Cup

PRESIDENT

Nasser AL KHELAIFI, Chairman and CEO, & Jean-Claude Blanc, Deputy CEO (since November 2011)

THE COACH - UNAI EMERY - Since July 2016


After a playing career that included stints with Real Sociedad, Tolède, Ferrol and Leganes, Unai Emery began his coaching career with Lorca Deportiva, in the Segunda Division B - Spain's third division. His time there was punctuated by promotion to the second division (a first in the club's history), a result that surprised everyone before the same side narrowly missed out on promotion to La Liga the following season. The Basque then confirmed his promise with Almeria, also in the second division, taking them into the country's top flight and securing an eighth-place finish the following season. After four promising campaigns as a coach, Emery took the reins at Valencia CF, and remained in the ascendancy. His side qualified for the UEFA Europa League in his first season in charge and then the UEFA Champions League over the next three seasons - and at the same time securing successive third-placed finishes in La Liga behind the mighty Real Madrid and Barcelona. After a brief stint outside Spain, with Spartak Moscow, Emery returned to Spain and set about gaining what he had lacked before: trophies. With Sevilla FC, he became the first-ever coach to win the UEFA Europa League three seasons in a row! Thus it was with quite a reputation that he moved to France and Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2016.


THE PLAYERS

GK




DEF




MID






ATT

 

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Please could you transfer this thread to the football forum section. Thanks
 

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And fair play to you my friend.


I hope you take the justifiable critical opinions you will no doubt receive as well as my reply ;)
All the opinions are the welcome :)

I can't be upset by a comment about PSG even if I like to demonstrate the inconsistency of some views related to PSG.
 

Zebs

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Well, I had to delete all my posts after this was moved to a serious forum.
 

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So what happened to PSG after the 90s?

I had always seen them as a big successful club, then it all must have gone pear shaped, for some reason. ffs Ronaldinho preferred PSG to United!
No he didn't. Ronaldinho moved to Barcelona and rejected United. He was at PSG originally.
 

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PSG enter into discussions for Danilo Pereira

PSG manager Unai Emery has told Sporting Director Antero Henrique to pursue the possibility of signing 25-year-old FC Porto Danilo Pereira, according to L’Équipe.

The player has recently signed a deal until 2022 with a release clause worth €60m, but Henrique is hoping that his in-depth knowledge of the player will enable him to succeed in putting together a deal. As a result, Henrique has entered into discussions with the player’s representatives.

This move signifies a shift away from a previously major pursuit of the possible signature of Fabinho from AS Monaco.

In a recent meeting between Vadim Vasilyev and Nasser Al Khelaifi in Cannes, the former told the latter that there was quite simply no way that the Principality side would strengthen a direct rival.
 

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Juan Foyth set to complete move to PSG
Argentinian defender Juan Foyth’s agents are expected in Paris in the coming hours to finalise a deal to bring the player to PSG as the club’s 4th choice defender for the 2017/18 campaign, according to L’Équipe.

Foyth, 19, had been close to a move to Tottenham, but the North London side’s dithering provided the Ligue 1 runners-up with an opportunity and a €9.5m fee has been agreed with Estudiantes for the player.

Foyth has a Polish passport and will therefore not take up a non-EU slot in the PSG squad.
 

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PSG’s proposed deal for Alexis Sanchez is crumbling

Le Parisien report that PSG’s deal for Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez is in the process of crumbling.

On the PSG side, senior sources were quite optimistic about a deal going through: the player had reached a broadbrush agreement with Les Parisiens on wages, length (4 years) and various bonuses.

But there is very little chance of a deal happening this summer. The Arsenal forward’s representatives are being particularly greedy in the final stages of contract negotiations, the London side has refused multiple approaches from PSG representatives.

Les Parisiens offered multiple solutions to Arsenal, including putting PSG players as part of an eventual deal, but Arsène Wenger said no.
 

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Chelsea made contact with Grzegorz Krychowiak 2 weeks ago

L’Équipe report that Chelsea made contact with Polish international central midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak’s entourage about 2 weeks ago.

This fits with the Tiemoué Bakayoko injury narrative, as this is exactly around the time when Chelsea were considering pulling out of a deal for the AS Monaco man over his knee problems.

Valencia are the only side to have concretely positioned themselves for the ex Sevilla man at the time of writing – Krychowiak is quite content on his mega PSG salary and wants to fight for his place, if Emery lets him…
 

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Neymar to PSG: from a dream to a possibility

PSG’s transfer windows in recent seasons have proven that having money does not guarantee being able to sign the world’s best players. This was shown to be the case last summer when they tried to sign 25-year-old Neymar, who then rejected Les Parisiens’ enormous salary offer to remain at Barcelona.

But this summer, things are quite definitely different. PSG have never been closer to signing a top 5 player than this. Les Parisiens are currently working to figure out if a deal could be feasible, with Financial Fair Play regulations and such like potentially standing as a significant obstacle in terms of getting a deal done, according to L’Équipe.

Approached recently by Neymar’s entourage, PSG were informed that Neymar is ready to leave Barcelona. Consistent contact between Neymar’s people and PSG President Nasser Al Khelaifi over many seasons has facilitated this unexpected series of events.

PSG are remaining vigilant in this scenario, despite the supposed viability of a deal this summer: they do not want to be taken for a ride by another superstar attempting to leverage a better contract extension at their current “big” club, as has often been the case with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in recent years.

Les Parisiens have made it clear to Neymar’s father and his aide Pini Zahavi that they are able and willing to pay the €222m release clause and the €30m a year net that the Brazilian attacker is demanding.

Actions speak louder than words, now PSG are waiting for Neymar’s entourage to officially tell them that the Brazilian intends to join.
 

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Alexis Sanchez & Fernando Felicevich met with Antero Henrique yesterday

Arsenal attacker Alexis Sanchez and his agent Fernando Felicevich spent yesterday afternoon with PSG Sporting Director Antero Henrique at the Royal Monceau in the 8th arrondissement in Paris, according to Le Parisien and The Guardian.

An agreement concerning personal terms can now be described as a matter of when, not if. As reported yesterday, the two principal areas of disagreement between PSG and Sanchez’s camp at the beginning of the week appear to have been resolved.

PSG wanted to sign the player to a long-term contract, Sanchez’s camp only wanted a 3-year deal with Les Parisiens. A 4-year-deal will likely be the compromise that is reached.

Sanchez’s salary demands, €16m net a year, are also very elevated in PSG’s view, but the capital club are still willing to make Alexis one of the club’s current top three earners. The two main sticking points at the beginning of the week have almost entirely been resolved – a contract agreement between PSG & Sanchez in principle appears agreed, the resolution of the final details appears to be imminent.

Les Parisiens’ first offer, either formal or verbal, to Arsenal for Alexis will almost certainly be made next week. Le Parisien report that PSG will open with a bid worth €40m.

The possible signing of Sanchez by PSG will also aid the club in their pursuit of Neymar. The two players have remained good friends since they crossed each other’s paths briefly at Barcelona.
 

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Unai Emery: “I want French players in a French team.”


Unai Emery gave an exclusive interview to L’Equipe yesterday in Detroit, right before lunchtime. A few hours before their first international Champions Cup game against AS Roma, the Parisian coach (45 years old) spent 45 minutes, and looked back on his past season, and provided an in-depth overview. He also discussed the new one, which has barely begun. The technician also revealed a very positive nature on his ways – what does not kill you makes you stronger. He also insisted on his regular exchanges with PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi, and sporting director Antero Henrique. This trio wants to bring PSG to the height of European football and win the Champions League.

What state of mind are you in during this pre-season period?

I am focused on football all year round, and when the summer is about to end, I look forward to starting again… The enthusiasm for the upcoming season is there. The summer break is long. You want to come back to be with the team and prepare games.

Similarly, concerning the Bilbao conference you attended with other coaches, was your vacation period a “studious” one? Or did you take a little break?

When on vacation, I can do things that I would not usually be able to, like spend time with my son and family or see friends in Hondarribia (his hometown in Spanish Basque Country). Since I have been a coach, I have not missed a day. And with PSG, this summer, I stayed in contact with Antero (Henrique), even during my summer vacation.

What do you like to do during your holidays?

I like being with my 14 year-old son in Valencia, where he lives. I also spend time in Hondarribia. I like to go to the beach and mountain, to go walking and to play sports. For example, I play tennis, and I am not too bad (smiling) against players that are at my level.

Was last season the most demanding one of your career?

I started my career at the young age of 32. I have always understood myself as being a part of the process and learning from these different positive and negative experiences. I would say that last season was great, with difficulties. It was a year for me to learn and progress. There were good and bad moments, but I consider it to be to be an experience which will help me become a better coach.

What did you take away from it?

By nature, I think a lot more about the present and future, than the past. All my experiences are good learning tools. I am a positive person. There were five titles up for grabs, but we came away with three (Trophée des Champions, Coupe la Ligue and Coupe de France), and the two most important ones got away. For PSG, the most important thing is to grow, progress and win titles. That’s the challenge for next season.

Do you think you made mistakes or failed?

I analyzed everything from last season with my staff, including the good and the bad moments. I think this first season was important for my progression in PSG. With the president, we always talk a lot to know what can and need to improve. The project is in the works. I had meetings with the president and Antero Henrique in order to define the strategy for the upcoming season. When I came back from vacation, we met up to see where the project currently was.

What is that strategy?

We spoke about that recruitment, and the team line-up. We all agreed that we needed to recruit a great offensive player. The club is working on that; it is the main objective. We also said that we had to keep our best elements like Marquinhos, Verratti etc.

Who would you like to recruit in attack? Alexis Sanchez? Mbappé?

PSG wants to recruit the best players in the world from the best clubs in the world. Last December, when the team was not going as well, the president and I met up to speak about potential players that could improve the team. If we want to compete with Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and win the Champions League, we need to recruit a top 5 player. We are looking to sign one this summer. Sanchez and Mbappé are great players, plus Mbappé is French. I want French players in a French team.

We have heard a lot about Neymar during these last few days. We imagine that he is a player that you would like to have…

Since he came to Barcelona (in 2013), I was able to witness Neymar’s impressive progression when at Sevilla. And now, he is a top 5 player in the world. The president and the club have been working for years to attract the greatest players. The team, but also the fans, would be happy to have a top 5, 6 or 7 player in their ranks, to add to the great players that are already here. But we know that this quest will not be easy. Maybe we will manage, maybe not.

How many more signings are you expecting this summer?


It is difficult to improve this team. I only want players who will help us progress. Following Maxwell’s retirement, we signed Yuri (Berchiche). I spoke with Serge (Aurier) to tell him that I would like for him to stay and continue to work with him. He said that he wanted to leave, and that he preferred to stay in Paris to prepare his departure. So we took Dani Alves, an experienced player and a winner. We also want a midfielder.

Like Fabinho?

We want a defensive midfielder who is good with the ball at their feet and who can fit into the style of the team. I spoke with Grzegorz Krychowiak. He is a player of quality who can play in a great team. But, in PSG, when certain players arrive, they have to be ready to take it a step further, to adapt to the team. It is not the same here as it is elsewhere. So, it is best for him to find a team which would best suit his style of play.

How do you see Adrien Rabiot, who does not want to play as a defensive midfielder?

Rabiot progressed a lot last season, like Presnel Kimpembe. We worked a lot with him. He would prefer to play as an 8, and we will make sure that he plays more in that position.

Would you like to recruit a new goalkeeper?

I am happy with Alphonse Areola and Kevin Trapp. With that being said, we are always looking out for ways to improve each position. If the club has the possibility to sign a goalkeeper to improve the team… Both goalkeepers want to play, but I do not know if it will be the case. This will depend on their performances.

If both goalkeepers stay, will Trapp remain the starter?

Last season, I gave them my trust. They both played and both managed good performances, but both went through rough patches. I have not decided who will be number 1, so the starter will have to come get their place. I will not say who it is before then.

Why did you decide to switch goalkeeping coaches?

When I came last year, I wanted to come with Javi Garcia, a right-hand man who I like a lot and whose work I am familiar with. I asked the club, but they said that it was not possible. I asked him again this season, I spoke with Nicolas (Dehon) and told him I was happy with him and his work. But I wanted to work with my right-hand man.

Why do you no longer count on Hatem Ben Arfa? Was it your decision?

With regards to Ben Arfa, we met with the president and Antero, and took a decision together. It is never easy when players do not train with the first team, but he is in good conditions to work. Pablo Villanueva, one of my assistants, is with him and the others who stayed. Simon Colinet, the physical coach, is also there, and there are physiotherapists and a doctor. We have a lot of players in our team. It is a club decision. He is a good player, but here, to go higher and win your place, it is a lot harder.

What is your relationship with Antero Henrique like?

Since his arrival, we have been speaking. Work is easy with him, he is experienced, and is available all the time. You can call him at 4 am and he will be available.

… Do you not sleep?

(Laughing) I am also available at all times. My former president in Valencia told me you have to be. He could call his colleagues anytime he wanted.

There were also two major departures in the sporting management: Olivier Létang and Patrick Kluivert. Did you ever feel threatened?

The results are the most important things for a coach, the work put in, and being honest. I only think about winning games, working to progress and being honest. I watch it all. For the rest… I’m free.

What relationship did you have with Kluivert, with whom you did not always agree with, most notably on the recruitment?

A good relationship, just as I did with Olivier (Létang). The latter was the first to contact me and with whom I had my first meeting before seeing the president.

Patrick left, it was the club’s decision. We did not always agree, that is true, but we spoke and he is a person with who it is difficult to not get along with.

To come back on last season, what did you take away from it?

There were two halves. During the first half, we lost four games, which is too much to aspire to win. Afterwards, during the second half, we rectified these problems and found a clearer path. Our statistics were also good, with twenty-five wins, two defeats and three draws in thirty matches. We were able to showcase our individual qualities in a collective effort, with Angel Di Maria and Edinson Cavani who managed his best goal scoring season. There was also the contribution of some young players like Kimpembe and Rabiot. Lucas also had a good season. We need to start this new year, with the mentality from the second half of the previous one.

You had a great summer preparation in 2016, most notably in the US. The positive elements seem to have quickly disappeared. Why is that?

The reality of the pre-season was that after four defeats, there was another one. Sometimes, there are unexpected things which happen. We looked for a balance with which we came back strong, and the individualities came back well in the group. We spoke a lot, between the group and individually. With our talent and good collective attitude, the team will be even better. We have the same ideas, but what is certain, is that we will start out better tactically. Our team is better prepared this year, with better communication between us, the staff and players. I find training sessions to be better, and the players show their desire to do well. They have the second half of season mentality.

What remains from the match against Barcelona?

The joyous explosion from the home leg (4-0), and the plunge of the away leg both remain. It is important to be reasonable, and not be too enthusiastic and discouraged after. We learned. We needed this experience. This is football: what you do with the ball and what you do with your mind.

You were perhaps missing something at the end of the match…

Yes, maybe, but it is an experience. Maybe we thought that we could play like we did at home following the first leg. But in the Nou Camp, against Barcelona, it is not possible. Barça really pushed us, and the referee did not control the match. Overall, there were positives from both games. I’d say it was 50-50.

Do you think this upcoming season will be better?

The better you know your team and players, the faster things can be put into place, and the easier it becomes to do what you want. This is the type of progression I am looking for, and I believe that I can do more with this team.

Do you plan on changing your system? Perhaps going towards a 4-4-2?

We found a balance with our players here, who like to have control of the game and possession. It is difficult to change systems with three attacking players, as it is our strength. We scored 85 goals in 30 games during the second part of last season with this system. Di Maria scored more, we saw Verratti shooting more, Matuidi and Rabiot running into the opposition penalty area. We found a balance with a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, so it is difficult to change.

What do you expect from this pre-season tour?

We have players like Cavani and Di Maria who resumed quite late. It is a bit short, but they followed a routine during their vacation. We will make do. In any case, they are professional and have maintained themselves.

What are your ambitions for next season?

I do not look that far forward. There are five trophies to play for, with the first one against Monaco in the Trophée des Champions on July 29th. I want a team with an identifiable style of play, and if we can have a collective force with our individual talent, as well as winning spirit, we can aim for all titles, even the most difficult ones, like the Champions League.

Y.H.
 

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Monaco definitively block Fabinho from moving to PSG

In a dinner on Thursday night between Monaco Vice President Vadim Vasilyev, PSG President Nasser Al Khelaifi and agent Jorge Mendes, the Principality side definitively ruled out the possibility of Fabinho moving to Les Parisiens, according to L’Équipe.

This move from Vasilyev was not designed to make PSG cough up more money, it was a genuine discourse intended to make clear that no top Monaco player would be joining their Ligue 1 title rivals. The same is said to go for Kylian Mbappé.
 

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Dani Alves’s PSG unveiling press conference – The Highlights

Brazilian right-back Dani Alves was unveiled as a new PSG player during a press conference at the Parc des Princes this afternoon. Here are the highlights.

On how he feels after signing with PSG:

It’s a great pleasure to be here. It’s great to have the dream of playing for this club and wearing this shirt come true. For me, it’s a great challenge to come to Paris Saint-Germain, a club with lofty ambitions.

On how his experience across Europe can help the team:

I have experienced a lot of different things in my life, and I think that the sum of all these experiences will help me bring something to Paris Saint-Germain.

On why PSG was his chosen destination:

Paris is my wife’s favourite city, and I have a lot of friends in this team – former teammates as well as a lot of players and people I really like. But above all, it’s the club’s unending desire to grow and to be one of the heavyweights in European and world football… PSG have been flirting with me for a long time, for 3 years, and now we are married (laughs)… I came here to play with (Marco) Verratti. I hope that he can help us achieve this dream (winning UCL).

On the differences between his former club Juventus, and Paris:

Ambition and organisation. There is lots of order here at PSG.

On the transition to Ligue 1:

It’s a hard-fought league with a lot of good young players who are the stars of tomorrow. There is a lot of intensity. It’s a physical league that demands 100% at all times. But I see things as I always have: a lot of drive and a lot of passion.

On what he can bring to the team:

One of my best qualities is my commitment. I always give my very best, for my teammates and for the team… doing this job brings me a lot of joy. I know that we will have a marvellous year together and I can’t wait to start wearing this shirt.

And lastly, a sly dig at Manchester City – who he was set to join before Paris made their move:

If Pep Guardiola & Manchester City feel hurt, I am sorry… I have come here to be a champion.

S.H.
 

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Official | Boubakary Soumaré quits PSG for Lille

Lille have signed Paris prospect Boubakary Soumaré on a three-year contract.

The 18-year-old midfielder has played 16 times in France’s various youth ranks and also featured in Paris’ UEFA Youth Cup campaign last term.

Soumaré becomes the sixth signing under Marcelo Bielsa’s reign and will hope to learn under the manager, who has a great reputation for aiding young talent.

“Signing here is a huge joy, the achievement of all the efforts made during my years of training. I am committed today with the LOSC, a club which has an interesting project, which trusts young people. I am sure that I will learn a lot,” said Soumaré.

S.H.
 

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Newcastle United weighing up Alphonse Areola possibility

Premier League newcomers Newcastle United are weighing up the possibility of lodging a bid for PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, according to France Football.

Rafa Benitez has followed the player since the French international’s time at Villarreal and the Magpies are weighing up the possibility of submitting a €15m initial bid for the former SC Bastia loanee.

Areola is the club’s number one target to provide competition for Tim Krul, even if they have also looked at Joe Hart and Pepe Reina.

Les Parisiens would need to find a new goalkeeper should a deal be struck, even if, as rumoured, RC Lens man Nicolas Douchez returns to the capital in a capacity as #3.
 

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I thought Meunier was very highly rated? But surely Alves will take his spot now?
 

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Nice work @Ecstatic as usual :cool:
So what happened to PSG after the 90s?

I had always seen them as a big successful club, then it all must have gone pear shaped, for some reason. ffs Ronaldinho preferred PSG to United!
Bosman happened, accelerating the poaching of PSG best players by foreign clubs and the management failed to capitalise on the huge global marketing appeal of a major club in Paris and didn't develop the academy despite the Paris area being the biggest provider of talent in Europe.

In the early 00s PSG still had rosters that looked very tasty on paper with the likes of Ronaldinho, Okocha, Anelka, Heinze, Arteta but didn't click on the pitch resulting in a big drought of trophies between 98 and 2004 and finances getting worse.

The club then had both the disadvantages of not being able to compete financially for the best talents and having the pressure of a big club that many players failed to cope with, exacerbated by poor results. In 2006 the club was bought by hedge funds more interested in developing real estate projects around the Parc des Princes than football until Qatar took over.
 

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Nice work @Ecstatic as usual :cool:

Bosman happened, accelerating the poaching of PSG best players by foreign clubs and the management failed to capitalise on the huge global marketing appeal of a major club in Paris and didn't develop the academy despite the Paris area being the biggest provider of talent in Europe.

In the early 00s PSG still had rosters that looked very tasty on paper with the likes of Ronaldinho, Okocha, Anelka, Heinze, Arteta but didn't click on the pitch resulting in a big drought of trophies between 98 and 2004 and finances getting worse.

The club then had both the disadvantages of not being able to compete financially for the best talents and having the pressure of a big club that many players failed to cope with, exacerbated by poor results. In 2006 the club was bought by hedge funds more interested in developing real estate projects around the Parc des Princes than football until Qatar took over.
Interesting, thanks
 

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What remains from the match against Barcelona?

The joyous explosion from the home leg (4-0), and the plunge of the away leg both remain. It is important to be reasonable, and not be too enthusiastic and discouraged after. We learned. We needed this experience. This is football: what you do with the ball and what you do with your mind.

You were perhaps missing something at the end of the match…

Yes, maybe, but it is an experience. Maybe we thought that we could play like we did at home following the first leg. But in the Nou Camp, against Barcelona, it is not possible. Barça really pushed us, and the referee did not control the match. Overall, there were positives from both games. I’d say it was 50-50.
.[/URL]
Sorry but this reads like bull. What the feck kind of positive do you take from a 6-1 defeat?

Also this is not PSG's first season in Champions league, you did not go into Champions league hoping to gain more experience, you have been aiming to win this trophy for a few seasons now.
 

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Fantastic work @Ecstatic
Nice work @Ecstatic as usual :cool:

Bosman happened, accelerating the poaching of PSG best players by foreign clubs and the management failed to capitalise on the huge global marketing appeal of a major club in Paris and didn't develop the academy despite the Paris area being the biggest provider of talent in Europe.

In the early 00s PSG still had rosters that looked very tasty on paper with the likes of Ronaldinho, Okocha, Anelka, Heinze, Arteta but didn't click on the pitch resulting in a big drought of trophies between 98 and 2004 and finances getting worse.

The club then had both the disadvantages of not being able to compete financially for the best talents and having the pressure of a big club that many players failed to cope with, exacerbated by poor results. In 2006 the club was bought by hedge funds more interested in developing real estate projects around the Parc des Princes than football until Qatar took over.
Cheers :)
 

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Nice work @Ecstatic as usual :cool:

Bosman happened, accelerating the poaching of PSG best players by foreign clubs and the management failed to capitalise on the huge global marketing appeal of a major club in Paris and didn't develop the academy despite the Paris area being the biggest provider of talent in Europe.

In the early 00s PSG still had rosters that looked very tasty on paper with the likes of Ronaldinho, Okocha, Anelka, Heinze, Arteta but didn't click on the pitch resulting in a big drought of trophies between 98 and 2004 and finances getting worse.

The club then had both the disadvantages of not being able to compete financially for the best talents and having the pressure of a big club that many players failed to cope with, exacerbated by poor results. In 2006 the club was bought by hedge funds more interested in developing real estate projects around the Parc des Princes than football until Qatar took over.
You forgot to mention changes at Canal plus, PSG used to be a big thing for them and under Messier it wasn't, then Vivendi got into big financial troubles and then Colony Capital happened.
 

Ecstatic

Cutie patootie!
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So what happened to PSG after the 90s?

I had always seen them as a big successful club, then it all must have gone pear shaped, for some reason. ffs Ronaldinho preferred PSG to United!
In 2000-01, we had fantastic players: Anelka, Benarbia, Laurent Robert, Christian, Luccin, Dalmat, Déhu,...

Back in 2000-01

PSG 1-0 Bayern (Champions League)


PSG 1-1 Milan



Milan 1-1 PSG (Anelka)
We also destroyed Rosenborg 7-2 at home this season


So many acquisitions in a short period of time. Instead of keeping these players and developing them, the coach Bergeroo was replaced by Luis Fernandez :mad: who

- made a lot of bad choices: the guy capable to consider Ronaldinho as a sub during several months :rolleyes:
- decided to sell some promising players like Dalmat & Luccin: they had outstanding potential but never had the right coach (mould of Wenger)
- had poor relationships with French players (Anelka, Benarbia, Robert, Luccin..) so decided to acquire foreign players from La Liga: Cristobal, Arteta, Pochettino, Heinze...

Luis Fernandez doesn't like stars and prefers to work with sheeps. Consequently, Anelka, Benarbia, Robert, Luccin, Dalmat...left the club very quickly.

Poor recruitment, stingy shareholders, lack of brilliance and inability to compete with Lyon characterize the 2003-2011 era.

I think Rothen, Sessegnon, Erding and Pauleta were the most expensive acquisitions during the period 2003-11 : unitary cost between 8 and 10 millions of euros.
 

BBRBB

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You forgot to mention changes at Canal plus, PSG used to be a big thing for them and under Messier it wasn't, then Vivendi got into big financial troubles and then Colony Capital happened.
That's true, though Canal+ kept pumping some money but the disappointing performances, lack of diversification of income and increasing cost of football made it only enough to cover the chronic losses, carrying through the Colony Capital era.
 

JPRouve

can't stop thinking about balls - NOT deflategate
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That's true, though Canal+ kept pumping some money but the disappointing performances, lack of diversification of income and increasing cost of football made it only enough to cover the chronic losses, carrying through the Colony Capital era.
Thinking about it, it's crazy how Marseille and PSG don't capitalize on their potential brands. Something has ridiculous as the Nivea ads tells you how big PSG is in France currently and Marseille are arguably bigger.
 

BBRBB

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Thinking about it, it's crazy how Marseille and PSG don't capitalize on their potential brands. Something has ridiculous as the Nivea ads tells you how big PSG is in France currently and Marseille are arguably bigger.
I think it has a lot to do with the French catholic values considering money and marketing dirty and betraying the "values of football".