Mary Earps, Paris Saint-Germain’s 32-year-old goalkeeper and England international (41 caps), spoke to the club’s official website. She reflects on her first season with PSG, and looks ahead to the Arkéma Première Ligue play-off final against Olympique Lyonnais at Groupama Stadium.
Earps “we’ve all progressed along the way, to become a strong collective.”
“Mary, can you tell us about this season? We remember the disappointment of the Champions League play-off…
Soccer can sometimes be unfair. Even if our opponent had undoubtedly been better. We would have needed a little more time to be sure of our strengths, to be ready. But that’s how it is, and you have to move on, learn… We know that when you play for PSG, you have to be in the Champions League every year. We were very disappointed, but you have to move on because the matches follow on from one another, and we had to get back up to speed quickly.
How do you see the team’s progress?
There were a lot of changes in the team compared to last season. There were a lot of new players, and there’s always a period of adjustment. And I think we’ve all progressed along the way, to become a strong collective, and manage to string together good results, which is why we’re here today.”
Earps “we hope this time to tip the scales in our favor.”
What’s the mood in the squad ahead of the final against Lyon?
We’re very focused. We know that Lyon are a great team, but so are we. Our aim is to win the title, to play a really big game. Every game against Lyon this season has been close, and this time we hope to tip the balance in our favor.”
This season will not go down in history as a positive one for PSG Féminin, with too many tensions seriously disrupting the often disappointing sporting aspect. This even led to the sacking of coach Fabrice Abriel just before the playoff semi-final against Paris FC.
However, there is still the championship final against Lyon to come. This could well change the outcome of the season. The Parisians need to put their difficulties, tensions and disappointments behind them. Or use them as a strength, with all the obstacles overcome to get there and possibly enjoy a nice trophy win.
Let’s hope, then, that PSG will be able to focus on these aspects, before embarking on a summer that we hope will be a little more serene than the last. It’s time for the Women’s project to find some stability. That’s essential if we’re to move forward.
