Paris Saint-Germain's march to a second consecutive Champions League final has ignited a wave of admiration across the French sporting press. Following a dominant two-legged performance that eliminated German giants Bayern Munich, the narrative surrounding the Parisian club has shifted dramatically. Publications that once chronicled PSG's European frustrations are now celebrating a team they describe as having found its true home on the continent's biggest stage.
The sentiment is captured powerfully by Le Parisien, which declared, "They are the boss." The newspaper's analysis goes further, stating that the Champions League has become PSG's natural habitat. This perspective marks a significant evolution, pointing to a period of sustained excellence where the club has systematically overcome top opposition from England, Spain, Germany, and Italy. The report credits this transformation to the arrival of manager Luis Enrique, whose philosophy has replaced previous years of inconsistent direction.
This view is echoed by former French international Emmanuel Petit. Speaking on RMC Sport's After Foot, Petit highlighted a quality he believes is fundamental to building a legacy: team unity. He described the camaraderie within the current PSG squad as "very rare," noting that the players genuinely care for one another. For Petit, this bond is the definitive marker of teams that aim to define an era, suggesting PSG is now built for sustained success rather than fleeting moments.
RMC Sport's own coverage focused on the historic nature of the achievement, labeling the squad a "crazy team" that "wrote history" against Bayern. A particular spotlight fell on defender Willian Pacho, who was named Man of the Match by UEFA. The broadcaster drew a direct line between his performance and his character, referencing the head injury he sustained in a physical duel with Harry Kane. His willingness to play through pain, they argued, epitomized the team's gritty determination and made life miserable for Bayern's attackers throughout the match.
However, the praise was not entirely universal. Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri, now a pundit for Canal+, offered a more measured critique. While acknowledging PSG's formidable qualities, he expressed a slight disappointment with the second leg's overall spectacle. Nasri admitted he had hoped for more after the thrilling first match, stating he did not witness a "great game" in the return fixture.
Nasri's analysis, though, contained its own form of compliment. He described PSG as "terrifying" precisely because of their newfound ability to suffer, defend resolutely, and grind out results. This pragmatic strength, combined with technical flashes from both sides, made the tie historic. His comments underscore a key aspect of Luis Enrique's PSG: they are no longer just a team of stars, but a resilient unit capable of winning in multiple ways.
The elimination of Bayern Munich is more than just a single result; it represents a potential paradigm shift in European football's hierarchy. For years, PSG's project was questioned despite domestic dominance. Reaching back-to-back finals silences many critics and demonstrates a clear sporting project bearing fruit. It validates the club's strategic shift towards building a cohesive team identity under Enrique, rather than relying solely on individual brilliance.
For the broader French league, PSG's continued European ascent raises the profile of Ligue 1. While the domestic title race may lack suspense, having a club consistently challenging for the ultimate prize enhances the league's reputation and attracts global attention. It sets a benchmark for other French clubs aspiring to compete at the highest level.
As the Parisians prepare for another shot at the elusive trophy, the narrative has firmly changed. The question is no longer whether PSG can compete in the Champions League, but whether they can now be considered its permanent residents. The French media's verdict suggests they believe the club has finally made the competition its own.
Based on reporting from Voetbal International.
