PSG will not be French champions this Sunday April 21 at the Parc des Princes against Lyon but the party will still be in full swing. A huge party is even looming, with several events to celebrate. The heroes of Barcelona to start, after qualifying on Tuesday at the Montjuïc Olympic stadium against the Catalans atomized by Luis Enrique's game plan.
When his name is announced by Michel Montana, the club speaker, the coach's name will be taken up, sung, praised. The romance between the Asturian and the public at Porte d'Auteuil began before qualifying for the semi-finals of the Champions League but this spectacular passage into the last European square strengthens and further strengthens it. Love rating on the rise and business to follow... The person concerned, questioned this Saturday on the circumspection or the criticisms which accompanied his work throughout the season, savors the moment. Always with his ego pegged in his mouth.
“I’ve been coaching for twelve years. I was attacked, vilified. Let it continue. I like it and I embrace it. The dogs can bark, we continue our work,” he said at a press conference as a final response, returning to the locker room with pride. In the classic C1 format (excluding Final 8) and throughout a season (Mauricio Pochettino arrived in January 2021), he is the only technician from the Qatar era to succeed in reaching the semi-finals. He knows it and doesn't shy away from his pleasure or his ambition. “We have the possibility of winning everything,” he adds.
Marquinhos honored
Without Lucas Hernandez or Manuel Ugarte, suspended, PSG will also honor Marquinhos, its captain, this Sunday evening on the occasion of the 30th day of Ligue 1 and his 437th match with the red and blue tunic - it would be surprising if his coach don't give him a few minutes against OL. You will have to wait for the final whistle to witness the presentation of his gifts, to his tears, no doubt, and to watch some videos of his partners yesterday or today.
VIDEO. Ronaldinho, Thiago Silva, Rai, his mother… Marquinhos reveals himself like never before in the face of questions from those close to him
Pierre Sage's players are unlikely to attend the party at this time even if the Brazilian's longevity would deserve applause from everyone, including his opponents. In this funny evening, full of party favors and smiles, the Rhone residents also confirmed their comeback even though they have only lost one of their last thirteen matches.
After flirting with the descent for months, they are now aiming for the European places. Last season, in April 2023, they even came to win at the Parc des Princes thanks to the only goal from Bradley Barcola, which has since taken on another dimension.
OL also comes to gauge the beast up close. Soon to be champion of France, potential finalist of the Champions League, the ogre PSG will also challenge him on the field of the Coupe de France, on May 25 in Lille. He hopes that there is a flaw, a reason for hope even if these two matches, with two different elevens, will have nothing to do with each other. On the other hand, what does not change is Paris' appetite. Especially in the evening when the disco balls are out.