Luis Enrique and his team made PSG history last season. Victorious in the Parisian club’s very first Champions League, the Spanish coach and his men dazzled observers, some of whom were already wondering if it was just a “one shot”. A year later, they have their answer since Paris will play a second consecutive final. Enough to inspire some.
After eliminating Bayern Munich (5-4, 1-1), Paris Saint-Germain will face Arsenal on May 30 in the C1 final. The Parisians showed that they were capable of remaining at the level already reached last year. For Yoann Riou, however, it is the fact of having won the first Champions League which remains above the ability to maintain the same level from one season to the next. The journalist from the L’Équipe channel explained his point of view this Thursday.
“For me, the hardest part is getting there. Let’s take this PSG. Last year, we had to chase away the ghosts, the obstacles of the past, the bad vibes (…). There was even a word that entered the common vocabulary: remontada. At the expense of PSG. (…) I think that to reach 5-0 against Inter Milan (in the final) last year, did you see all the work that had to be done? »
PSG on its way, like the Blues in 2000
Then the columnist indicated why he thought staying level was easier. With a renowned example to boot.
“I think it’s easier. I’ll take an example to broaden it. The France 98 team. What is harder? To have won the 1998 World Cup or to have won at Euro 2000? For me it’s 98 because you’re not qualified in 90, not qualified in 94.”
And to conclude on the subject. “In 1998, the glass ceiling broke. And so in 2000, you are on your way, you are in full confidence, in full swing. You ended the curse. So I find that this year’s PSG is like the French team in 2000.”
