While they were dancing in a circle, in the center of the lawn of the Stade de la Luz, singing "We are in the final, we are in the final", the PSG players probably did not yet measure the full scope of their performance after their victory against Leipzig. However, their qualification for Sunday night's meeting resonated well beyond Lisbon. Among all club supporters, of course. But above all, and even more intensely, among all those, from the pioneers to the more recent players, who have been part of the history of the club as we celebrate in this month of August its 50 years of existence. .
"When I landed, the club was in the 3rd division"
Starting with Pierre Phelipon, the very first coach of PSG. From his second home in Cavalaire, in the Var, the now 85-year-old man vibrated in front of his television. "It's beautiful, I'm really happy," he confides moved. When I landed at Saint-Germain in 1969, the club was in the 3rd division and 50 years later, it is in the final of the Champions League… I could never have imagined that. But it is deserved. Bad memories like Barcelona are erased. Because of its results and with its two phenomena like Mbappé and Neymar, this team is the best in the history of PSG. "And Pierre Phelipon to project himself:" The party for the 50 years has been canceled because of the coronavirus. But it would be extraordinary for us, the old ones, to be able to return to the Parc des Princes in a few weeks to celebrate this European Cup. "
"It would be such a beautiful symbol"
Jean-Claude Bras, 74, is himself, entered the history of PSG by scoring the first goal of the club in a friendly match in July 1970. "I am certain of the final victory," said the former international striker. It would be such a beautiful symbol for this 50th anniversary, the icing on the cake. I have the Red Star ( Editor's note: he was for a long time president of the Saint-Ouen club ) in my heart but PSG has been fundamental in my career. Obviously, he wins with money from Qatar but others have also had money without ever winning anything. "
"Paris should have played a Champions League final a long time ago"
Record holder for matches played in the PSG jersey, Jean-Marc Pilorget scored the winning penalty in the 1982 French Cup final against Saint-Etienne, the club's first title. “It's been a long time since Paris should have played a Champions League final, he remarks. Now it remains to be won. Personally, I won two Coupe de France finals and that obviously remains very strong memories. Pilorget delivers his look at the current PSG. “On and off the field, we now feel a real chemistry between the players,” he emphasizes. Neymar and Mbappé appreciate each other, it is undeniable and they have made a pact, including with the coach. Bravo to Thomas Tuchel because it is never easy to manage such phenomena. He deserves what happens to him. "
The great family of PSG as a whole was marked by this qualification. It was enough from Tuesday evening to note the many messages posted on social networks to see it. Even Dominique Rocheteau, the former striker of the 80s, said he was "very happy for Paris!" Deserved victory with a special mention for an exceptional Di Maria. Now we have to win it ”. “Bravo to PSG for this final !, tweeted for his part Luis Fernandez, the former Parisian player (1978-1986) then coach (1994-96, 2000-2003) at the head of the team during the European title of 1996 in the Cup. I am very happy for all the supporters. The players were there. There remains one match to write the history of French football forever. Go Paris!!! "
Well done to PSG for this final! I am very happy for all the supporters, the players have been there. There remains one match to write the history of French football forever .. Go Paris !!!
- Luis Fernandez (@Fernandez_beIN) August 18, 2020This historical notion, Michel Denisot the former president (1991-1998), also perceived it. “PSG is celebrating its 50th anniversary by climbing on the roof of Europe. It's fantastic ”, underlines one of the emblematic bosses of the Parisian club.
"Our participation in another era has somewhat built the identity of the club"
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Defender from 1997 to 2001 in Paris, Eric Rabésandratana can not hide his emotion at this new stage in the life of PSG either. “It’s the accomplishment of something,” analyzes the consultant from France Bleu Paris. It's like you've leaned on everything that happened in the past, good and bad, and all that mix has got you to that point, where you qualify for the final . It's a pretty strong thing. "Of course," Rabé "adds, like everyone else," that we must now win this final "but he evokes" a first objective achieved ".
In his time, he judges that the prospect of going this far in the Champions League seemed "super difficult", in particular "because of this French mentality of telling yourself that others are better and that if you get there, it's a bit of luck ”.
If he did not say at the end of the match against Leipzig that the success of Neymar, Mbappé and his comrades was a bit his, a supporter came to whisper the idea. “I found that quite flattering, he confides, because it is not at all what I thought at the beginning. But it's true that looking at it with a historical eye, we can say that our participation in another era has finally built a little the identity of the club. It made it possible to move forward and perhaps, in the end, to interest the Qataris to come and build something else. "
In his analysis, Rabesandratana emphasizes above all that in his eyes "the club has grown". But not just any old way. “By changing his mentality, he says. That is to say by stopping wanting to rely on stars and by having players who work for everyone, for the team. And, as if by chance, you find yourself in the final. But if you don't have Choupo-Moting, you don't go. If you don't have Thiago Silva extending his contract, you don't go. If you don't have Herrera, who was injured and who comes back and works like a dog, you don't go. "
"The Qataris have kept the roots of the club"
Of all the Parisian players, Alain Cayzac is undoubtedly one of the most faithful. The former president (2006-2008), has been accompanying PSG since the 1970s. Of course, when we joined him the day after the semi-final victory, he spoke of "immense satisfaction". “We do not yet know if it will be the outcome on Sunday night, but I am living it with a lot of jubilation,” he added in his calm voice.
Always sharp, he launches: "Usually, the old ones like me say: it was better before. Well, I say that it rewards the exceptional work of the leaders of PSG Nasser (Al-Khelaïfi), Jean-Claude (White) and Leonardo who formed a team from very little at the start. "
Above all, Cayzac is delighted with the most important aspect in his eyes: “They have kept the roots of the club. I told them: don't go to the Stade de France, stay at the Parc, they did. They return to the jersey of yesteryear. They're very decent with dinosaurs like me. I go to the Park very little but each time I am received like a minister. “And it is in this preserved DNA that he sees the greatest victory for PSG. “All that could have disappeared,” he said, “if we had changed stadium or name. But no. We remain faithful to the spirit of the people who created it, to Francis Borelli. I find my club. And I am delighted. This is the main thing for me. "
Certainly, Sunday evening, the Parisians of Thomas Tuchel will not be alone in the Stade de la Luz, empty of spectators, but filled with the hope and support of all those who have worn the colors of Paris Saint-Germain since 50 years. And who hope to see them dance and sing at the final whistle.