The 1985-86 season was marked by a milestone for PSG. Four years after its first success in the Coupe de France, the capital club won its first French championship title. A historic coronation of which the Rouge et Bleu will celebrate the 40the birthday next spring.
PSG, however, was coming out of a particularly disappointing season, ending in the 13the place. But the Parisians quickly appeared transformed, remaining undefeated for 26 matches before giving up at the end of the season when the title seemed certain. “We felt very strong, we were walking on water,” remembered Dominique Rocheteau on the occasion of the club’s 50th anniversary.
With 18 goals, the native of Saintes was one of the first architects of this French champion title. A title with a particular flavor for the former StĂ©phanois. “Unlike Saint-Etienne, at PSG, it was new, I didn’t feel this pressure. Carelessness made things easier”he explained.
Gérard Houllier’s brand
But for the man who would remain the top scorer in the club’s history for almost two decades thanks to his 100 goals, scored in the Parisian jersey between 1980 and 1987, in 255 appearances, the main architect of this golden season was GĂ©rard Houllier, who arrived on the bench in the summer of 1985.
“I had a wonderful two years with him. I felt like I was a bit like a friend with him. He was a coach-friend, who always had a hyper-attentive ear and created a great atmosphere in the group”confided the Green Angel at the time of the disappearance of the former Parisian coach.
“His sessions were of a high level, very pleasant and what’s more, he managed to lead us to the title of champion (in 1986) through his human qualities, he insisted. He was a great gentleman, who had ideas and a vision. He brought a lot to PSG at that time, at all levels, with his sense of organization and professionalism. He was also a very great orator, he really impressed in the talks…”
Dominique Rocheteau is equally complimentary about Francis Borelli, the president at the time. “Francis Borelli was a fabulous president,” he confided to Capitale Foot. He was a passionate person who loved his players. He did extraordinary things, especially when I ended up in the hospital. »
