On Tuesday, in the second leg of their 2025-2026 Champions League quarter-final tie, Paris Saint-Germain faced Liverpool at Anfield. Philippe Montanier, the current AS Saint-Étienne manager, shared his thoughts with the newspaper Le Parisien on PSG’s 2-0 victory (4-0 on aggregate).
Montanier: “There’s not too much ego”
“Did the Parisians’ mindset make the difference?
Yes, you have to have a very good mentality. Paris has young players, there isn’t too much ego, there are big stars, but they all play for each other. They demonstrated that, and in fact, they are often cited as an example. They are a benchmark in terms of teamwork and the mentality of running a lot, of putting in the effort, whether defensively or offensively.
Montanier: “Over the two matches, Paris was superior”
Is PSG better than last season?
It’s difficult to say, but I think they have more confidence. Last year, they struggled to eliminate Liverpool on penalties, and this time, over the two matches, Paris was superior. They are going to play their third Champions League semi-final; they are definitely among the favorites.”
Ultimately, Montanier describes a PSG that no longer relies solely on individual brilliance to make the difference. His focus is primarily on a mental shift: the ability to weather periods of weakness without collapsing. At Anfield, Paris had to absorb Liverpool’s pressure, but the team remained true to its core principles, characterized by defensive discipline, sustained effort, and emotional control.
This is precisely where the confidence he emphasizes shines through. This PSG seems less marked by the nervousness of big nights and more structured to respond collectively to moments of tension. Across the two matches, which resulted in two victories and a 4-0 aggregate score, the message is clear: Paris now knows how to win with its head as much as with its talent.
