PSG: U16 coach takes stock of the Al Kass Cup adventure

The story starts with a "stroke of luck". For the first time since its launch in 2012, the Al Kass Cup has changed its age category, going from under 17 to under 16. Hervé Guégan, U16 coach at PSG after having known the U19 and the reserve bench, therefore inherited this "good opportunity" and led a hybrid group, made up of players aged 14 to 16.

A real change of scenery for everyone, in Doha (Qatar) for two weeks with, finally, a third place obtained on penalties against the Moroccans of the Mohamed VI Academy. A result that allows PSG to fuel its solid reputation after three victories (2012, 2015, 2018) in Qatar. Returning to Paris on Tuesday, Hervé Guégan delivers his review of the adventure.

How did you experience this Al Kass Cup?

HERVÉ GUÉGAN. The results are very positive. It was a first for me and we didn't really know where we were going. We bring back a third place so it's very good. We were beaten by Inter Milan ( Editor's note: 3-1 in the semi-finals ), a more mature team, which played on our weak points. They used a little vice too and we fell into their game instead of staying focused. As for Real Madrid (winner), the team was above the lot.

You are led 3-1 in the small final and end up winning ...

We replaced a lot of players. There was some form of decompression after elimination in the semifinals. There was physical fatigue too. It is difficult for these young players to chain so many meetings. And the format of the tournament meant that teams had fewer recovery days. But the players managed to raise this score. They can be very happy with their performance, especially in the content.

PSG have claimed third place in Alkass International Cup 2020 during a penalty shoot-out as their match against Mohammed VI ended in a 3-3 draw. @PSG_English @Officielamf # AlkassIntlCup2020 pic.twitter.com/gvFqxADGEC

How did you prepare for the competition?

With the U16s, we have no official competition the rest of the year. But as of January, I set up a collective tactical work with these players. We worked with a 4-2-3-1 system that worked pretty well. We offered a game of good quality. The difficulty encountered was mainly the lack of common experience with players of different ages. In such a competition, if we don't play together, it won't work. Especially against teams like Real Madrid or Barça who have their habits.

What were your demands in the game?

The priority was not to suffer, to have a winning team. We always wanted to have the ball, possession. I also had attackers capable of pressing, running and being the first defenders.

PSG Express

I'm registering

Your email address is collected by Le Parisien to allow you to receive our news and commercial offers. Find out more

Were you surprised by your players?

I did not see all the dates of birth of the opponents but I had brought a lot of 15 year old players and I think we were among the youngest. Talent and quality are not a question of age. The difference was made on impact, strength, vice. I don't like to evoke individualities. But there is real potential among my players. We will have to be humble for the future.

Alkass International Cup 2020:
13 'GOAL!
PSG 1 - 0 Zenit FC
Score: Ilyes Housni @ PSG_inside @PSG_English @fczenit_en # alkassintlcup2020 pic.twitter.com/gmDMlpjGPo

What did you think of the general level of this competition?

Very good. Real, Inter, Barça, Zénith ... These are only clubs recognized for their training. In terms of organization, it was of a very high standard: accommodation, infrastructure ... It feels like playing a big competition. It is important for the club to leave a good image in Qatar, among the owners, in terms of play and behavior. It will remain a great experience and very good memories.

PSG results

Group stage:

PSG 3 - 0 Kashiwa Reysol (Jap)

PSG 2 - 2 Barcelona (Esp)

Quarter-final :

PSG 5 - 0 Zenith St Petersburg (Rus)

Semi final :

Inter Milan (Ita) 3 - 1 PSG

Third place :

Mohamed VI Academy 3 - 3 (2 - 4 tab) PSG

Top scorers: Gharbi, Housni (5 goals).