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La Meinau deserves (amply) Ligue 1
As Frédéric Antonetti has indicated, the people of Strasbourg owe their maintenance only to themselves. However, they were able to count on the unwavering support of their fiery public. Again Saturday night, the supporters of Racing made a fuss of all the devils against PSG (1-1), for the last match of the season at home, that of the maintenance. "It's a real Ligue 1 club, with an extraordinary, great crowd. It's a city and a football region, just waiting to vibrate," swears the 61-year-old coach. In any case, the Meinau was true to its reputation on Saturday night, and even more, with many tifos before and during the match and a fiery atmosphere from A to Z. We are therefore very happy to know that Strasbourg will continue in Ligue 1 next season: the team has its place, its public too.
Paris champion, Paris record
Certainly, the 2022-23 season will leave a bitter taste in the mouths of PSG lovers. Nevertheless, we can not waste a title of champion of France. Especially when it is the 11th, which allows the club of the capital to double the ASSE (10 titles). Almost statistically perfect in the first half of the season before picking at the return of the World Cup, Christophe Galtier's players did the job. They will still have occupied the first place in the ranking throughout the season, from the first to the last day! That's no small thing. "Champion of France. 11th title. Gentlemen ladies, the biggest club in France is PSG, "ignites Kylian Mbappé on social networks. It is in any case the most titled, and this in absolutely all the hexagonal competitions. Hat.
" READ ALSO Ligue 1: the PSG champion of France for the 11th time, a historic title... but with a bitter taste
Liénard, what a tribute!
Arrived in 2013 from Mulhouse, Dimitri Liénard played perhaps his last match with Racing on Saturday. In the meantime, the public, his teammates and the club paid him a vibrant tribute. Hedge of honor, delivery of drawings, songs, huge tifo at the beginning of the second half ... Full of emotions for the 35-year-old, at the end of his contract and whose future is still uncertain. Entering the game in the 65th minute, he warmly greeted the fans after the final whistle. "It's a fabulous story," says Antonetti. National 2 player who manages to make seven years in a row in Ligue 1... It's the only one! It's an extraordinary story. But that's because he had qualities. You don't play in the first division for seven years if you don't have one... Great left foot. I have nothing to add. The tribute paid by the public is deserved. The public suffered a lot and it suffered with them. It is part of history. It takes one or two chapters in the history book of Racing," he swears.
Mbappé superstar... with a big heart
Everywhere, the same story. Adored by Paris Saint-Germain fans, the captain of the France team also commands the respect and admiration of opposing fans. This was still the case on Saturday in Strasbourg. And Bondy's crack took care of his image. After unintentionally "turning on" a fan during the warm-up, Mbappe immediately came to meet her, following her to the edge of the pitch while she received treatment. It must be said that the young woman had a bloody nose... Class. On the field, the Parisian number 7 lacked success, but he rewarded the Meinau with some class actions, like his assist.
CLAW STROKES
PSG, the party will wait
That's done. Pushed to their limits by Lens and, for a time, OM, the Parisians finally won the title of champion of France. A relief more than an overflowing joy. No scenes of delirium on the lawn of the Meinau or returning to the bus. The players were, however, greeting their supporters, even if it was only for a handful of seconds, they were all there. Including Leo Messi. "Now we have to celebrate, enjoy," said Vitinha, the only player to answer journalists' questions. Nasser Al-Khlelaïfi, although present in Strasbourg, did not risk it. One thing is certain: for example, it is not a title that will be celebrated like that of Lille in 2021. "These are different emotions. In 2021, it was an incredible performance to finish ahead of PSG with Losc, recalls Christophe Galtier. It was unexpected. When you arrive at PSG, there is this obligation of result, and not only. I'm not relieved, I'm very happy that PSG are champions and to have led this team, but the flavors are not the same." The party with the fans will be for the match against Clermont.
" READ ALSO The notes of Strasbourg-PSG: Messi delivers Paris, Verratti in the oven and the mill
Galtier veils his face
Asked if he thinks he deserves to lead PSG next season, Christophe Galtier did not hesitate: "Yes". Frankish and massive. The 56-year-old technician is convinced that injuries and the context of a particular season, World Cup obliges, are the main causes of the torments of the club of the capital. "There is a big gap between what the media can say and what I live on a daily basis," he promises, before pleading his cause. "Why do I deserve? Because I gave it my all in this season, with a lot of energy all along. We knew and I knew how to stay the course in very difficult times, on a professional or personal level. You (journalists) have not spared me. We are France champions. We won the Champions Trophy. Catastrophic seasons at PSG are when you're not champion." He's wrong about that... Obviously, it's not all his fault, that goes without saying. But his responsibility in the balance sheet is involved. "Personally, I feel I deserve to continue. Do the leaders agree? You don't know," he swears. We suspect it anyway ...
