We had two Gérard Prêcheur this Sunday evening during the traditional press conference. The "football enthusiast", the 60-year-old man, who did not appreciate the way of playing of his opponents and who wonders about the spectacle offered to the public. And then the PSG coach, who congratulates OL on its title of champion of France, after its victory at the Parc des Princes (1-0). But a coach who wonders, too, about his future at the head of this Parisian team.
It was said last week after the Cup final that regrets should be avoided. Is that still the case tonight?
GERARD PREACHER. That's the image of this whole season yes. Even more so tonight. The girls had a good game, the game plan was clear and almost worked. It's really frustrating. We wanted to resist Lyon's pressing, play towards goal and go for them high. We didn't do it too badly. Especially in the second half. I knew that Lyon would not hold the pressing for more than 60 minutes. We had opportunities. It almost worked... But that's what you're saying, we were almost there. This is this year's PSG.
Your team still destabilized OL...
Bravo to the girls yes, really bravo. What frustrates me is not the PSG coach who speaks there, it's the passionate about football and women's football, after everything I have given for 23 years to this football. I wanted to play everywhere, work on the collective, that women's football is beautiful to see, that it attracts people. But that a team like Lyon, champion of Europe (in 2022) and France, produces a game like that, without revival of the back, with a direct football that relies on individualities ... Frankly, I say to myself, Preacher, you worked for 23 years for nothing. You will leave women's football but who will take over? That's not the way to attract crowds.
Does OL's game surprise you?
No. This is the game Lyon has been playing for two or three years. It is based on individualities. And there are some very good ones. It works, huh! The problem is that athleticism and individuality still prevail today over the collective and the technical. But I become the coach of PSG again: Lyon deserves its title. They didn't make a difference in the league except against Guingamp and against us. Intrinsically, Lyon is better than us.
"I want to end my career with the will to win"
There are still promises, like Laurina Fazer or Korbin Albert...
Of course. But what I want us to do at PSG... (he cuts). I've been believing in signs for quite some time. If we take a goal at the end of the game, it's a penalty. Terrible. I took a blow to the back of the head. We must ask ourselves the question: why are we being punished?
What is your assessment of the season?
There are a lot of positives. But my father always told me: in France, we prefer Poulidor to Anquetil but you have to make sure you are Anquetil. And, this time, I'm second everywhere. So of course there are positives. But I came to Paris to win. I am frustrated and disappointed.
Individuals like Katoto, Dudek or Diani were missing...
I do not want to go back to that. I have already spoken. Tonight, the girls had a good game. Those who were there made the match. I do not wish to insult these presents.
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You talk about leaving football. Is this your last game next week?
I don't know. I need recovery time. I'm tired of taking bamboo blows behind labels. PSG must provide guarantees to build a great club. Being competitive is not enough. I want to finish the career with a desire to win.
You have an optional year...
(He cuts) The option is exercised. But I, too, am wondering. I'm not very young. I'm not old enough to build anymore. Maybe next year... There will be the return of Paulina (Dudek), Marie Antoinette (Katoto), Kadi (Diani)... We will have beautiful recruits (smile).