Éric Roy, the 61-year-old head coach of Stade Brestois, told Le Parisien that Paris Saint-Germain remains in a “normal” dynamic following its Champions League triumph, despite having only one week of preparation. For him, the European champion still holds a significant advantage in Ligue 1, with no real rival seemingly capable of challenging its domestic supremacy this season.
Roy: “They showed they were the best team in Europe”
Do you think Paris will need to digest its Champions League success before dominating domestically?
“Not really. They’re in a normal situation, the only difference being that they went all the way in the competition they had been hoping to win for the first time. They showed they were the best team in Europe. Of course, their preparation was shorter, but on a national scale I still don’t see any serious contenders, even if some clubs have invested and are trying to catch up a little.”
Roy: “OM can at least try to close the gap”
Despite their reinforcements, you don’t see Marseille as strong enough to compete with Paris?
“OM can at least begin trying to reduce the gap with PSG. After all, we’ve seen in the past that Lille won a title under QSI, and Montpellier did as well at the start of the project. Anything is possible, but you need a season where everything aligns perfectly. Knowing the mentality of the Marseille coach and fans, there’s always that desire to move mountains. Of course, they’re not favorites. They want to do it, but whether they’re capable—that’s one of the questions this season will answer.”
Roy: “To say they’re not the favorites would be absurd”
Paris remains clearly on top?
“They proved it in the Champions League against every opponent in the knockout stages. When you look at their performance in the final against Inter Milan… Saying they’re not the favorites in Ligue 1 would be absurd. If I said the opposite, people would think I was crazy.”
PSG’s Formula: Consistency Above All
Paris Saint-Germain’s domestic dominance has been built on one constant: consistency. While rivals almost always suffer a dip—whether through draws, defeats, or slumps in form—PSG manages the rhythm of a long league season with remarkable efficiency. The club absorbs setbacks, be it injuries, fixture congestion, or even the challenge of bouncing back after a European title.
With a deep squad, experienced leaders, and a winning culture forged over the past decade, PSG consistently maintains an exceptionally high points average from August through May. Their rivals, however ambitious, have yet to find the formula to match such relentless intensity.
Still, Paris is not untouchable. Montpellier, Monaco, and Lille have all pulled off exceptional campaigns to dethrone the capital club. It remains possible again, but only if a challenger quickly builds momentum and applies pressure rather than gifting PSG breathing space.
For now, though, it’s hard to argue with Éric Roy: PSG is once again the overwhelming favorite to retain its crown.
