Antoine Kombouaré, currently managing Paris FC with the mission of avoiding relegation, spoke to RMC Sport on Wednesday evening. He was notably asked to reflect on the tumultuous end of his time as Paris Saint-Germain coach (2009-2011) mid-season with Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival to replace him. He admitted his anger at the time, and also explained his player’s subsequent move to Saudi Arabia (Al-Hillal).
Kombouaré: “I had the opportunity to coach in England and I chose to go to Saudi Arabia.”
“When Qatar bought PSG, I immediately understood that as coach, I was no longer there. And I was surprised. When (Robin) Leproux (club president between 2009 and 2011) told me that the emir wanted to see me, I thought he didn’t need to. There was my contract, he paid me, and I left. I went to Doha. He told me: ‘We want you as coach.’
I embarked on this adventure with some difficulties because we had a dozen new players arriving, we had to build the team, play well, and win. We managed to do that, more or less, reaching the winter break in first place. And then I learned it was over. It was a real blow. I felt it was the end because I was working with Leonardo, who was taking advantage of me.
I took six months off for myself. And then I made a decision.” I had the opportunity to coach in England, but I chose to go to Saudi Arabia. I realized that in football, you can be number one and still be fired. So I told myself: now I’m going to live my life. I’m no longer choosing to be a careerist; I want to earn a living, and if it all ends tomorrow, I’ll have done what’s necessary to secure my future.
Kombouaré: “I almost ripped his head off”
Blame Leonardo?
Not at all. Two years later, I ran into him again, and he came to apologize. I had already moved on. In the moment, I almost ripped his head off, but once it’s over, you move on.”
It’s easy to understand the disappointment of the former PSG defender, who was top of the league and undoubtedly wanted to fully experience the adventure. But there was also a project in development, and the Europa League elimination was a bitter pill to swallow. We also have to acknowledge Ancelotti, a coach with an extraordinary career who was a valuable asset for aiming even higher during the transfer window.
Perhaps the departure could have been handled better, with more honesty. At least Kombouaré was able to move on and focus on what came next, with a stint in Saudi Arabia before returning to France. Perhaps there’s a slight regret about not having experienced England, but these aren’t easy choices, and the desire to “cover his bases” is understandable. Especially in this coaching position, where things can change very quickly, even leading Ligue 1 and losing your job.
