Paris Saint-Germain has once again etched its name into European football history. The French giants secured their place in the Champions League final for the second consecutive season, a feat that has left club president Nasser al-Khelaifi overwhelmed with pride and emotion. Speaking after the decisive match, al-Khelaifi described the atmosphere in the dressing room as 'magnificent,' emphasizing that the team had 'created history in this stadium last year and did it again this Wednesday night.'
The achievement is particularly significant given the narrative surrounding the team this season. Al-Khelaifi acknowledged that many had written off PSG, suggesting they were not the same force as the previous campaign. 'Everyone was saying: 'Paris Saint-Germain is not the same team as last year,' he recalled. Yet, the president was quick to highlight the collective response from the entire organization. 'But honestly, the players, the coach, everyone, the staff, the sporting advisor... We really showed that we are still here, that we have a great team.'
A central theme of al-Khelaifi's post-match comments was the unity and fighting spirit displayed by the squad. He drew a powerful comparison, stating that what he witnessed was not merely eleven or twenty-two players on the pitch, but 'twenty-three warriors.' This warrior mentality, he stressed, was evident from the first minute to the last of the challenging encounter. 'We were all together, from the first minute until the last. It wasn't easy,' he admitted, while also noting the team could have scored another goal.
The president's praise extended beyond the players to the man orchestrating their success on the touchline. In a clear and unequivocal statement, al-Khelaifi declared manager Luis Enrique to be 'the best coach in the world.' This endorsement comes as Enrique has guided PSG to back-to-back European finals, solidifying his status at the helm of one of the continent's most ambitious projects.
Looking at the broader context, this consecutive final appearance marks a monumental shift for a club historically criticized for its inability to translate domestic dominance into European glory. The 'back-to-back' achievement places PSG in an elite category of clubs capable of sustaining a challenge at the very highest level of the sport. It signals a maturity and resilience that has often been questioned in past campaigns.
Al-Khelaifi also took time to look toward the future, expressing confidence in the squad's longevity. He pointed to the youthfulness of the current roster as a foundation for sustained success. 'Not only last year or this year, but for the next five years because we really have a young team today. We want to continue,' he stated. This suggests a strategic vision that extends far beyond a single tournament, aiming to build a dynasty capable of competing for Europe's top prize year after year.
The role of the supporters was another cornerstone of the president's message. He lauded the PSG faithful as 'the best supporters in the world,' claiming he could hear only their voices in the stadium on the night. This connection between the team and its fans is portrayed as a vital component of their European run. Al-Khelaifi framed the upcoming final as a national mission, declaring, 'We want to continue to fly the flag of France high in the final.'
When asked to compare the pleasure of this qualification to the previous year's, al-Khelaifi found it difficult to choose, simply reiterating the magnitude of the accomplishment. 'It's different. It's... it's difficult to be there 'back-to-back.' It's magnificent because we came from far away,' he reflected. This sentiment underscores the journey and the overcoming of obstacles that have defined PSG's recent European campaigns.
The qualification ensures that French football will once again be represented on the biggest stage in club football. For PSG, it is an opportunity to finally lift the elusive trophy that has been the ultimate goal of the club's ambitious project. For al-Khelaifi and his team, the message is clear: this is not a fleeting moment of success, but the beginning of a new era of sustained European contention.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.