Al-Khelaifi gives lengthy speech after PSG secure Champions League progression

For the first time in three years, Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, thanks to a 4-1 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad.

In the eyes of the QSI ownership, the Champions League has been the holy grail since taking over PSG in 2011. However, it is a trophy that has eluded them and the pressure to win it has at times weighed heavy on their shoulders. The obsession has been a hindrance to Les Parisiens’ attempts and there has been a perceivable change in discourse this season.

Talk of winning Europe’s most prestigious competition has dampened and it has been replaced with talk of a more long-term project, which in Luís Enrique’s first season at the Parc des Princes, is in a period of transition.

That public discourse is being echoed in private conversations, as revealed by RMC Sport. Following Tuesday’s victory over Real Sociedad, PSG president Al-Khelaifi went into the dressing room and provided a 10-minute speech to the players.

“it is a collective victory; we are stronger together,” began Al-Khelaifi amidst the transition away from the galacticos era at the club. Kylian Mbappé, who Al-Khelaifi described to Canal Plus as “the best player in the world”, is the last remnant of that era and PSG are shifting away from their policy of signing global superstars.

“[It is a qualification] rich in lessons and promise for the future. There is no pressure on you. You should just continue having fun, listen to the coach and maintain this collective state of mind,” he added.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle