This Saturday, the women’s teams of Paris Saint-Germain and Paris FC faced off at the Stade Jean Bouin in the semi-final of the 2025-2026 Première Ligue Arkéma playoff. After the 1-0 defeat, coach Paulo César spoke in the mixed zone.
Paulo César: “It’s not unfair, because we shouldn’t take away from our opponent’s merit, but we controlled the match.”
What are your feelings after this defeat?
Disappointed. Disappointed, like all the players. The match, 1-0 for PFC, isn’t unfair, because we shouldn’t take away from our opponent’s merit, but we controlled the match. We had a lot of possession. Unfortunately, both goals were disallowed by VAR, and we had chances but weren’t clinical enough to score. That’s part of the game; we’ll move forward.
Paulo César: “Next season, we shouldn’t be talking about rebuilding, but about consolidating our position.”
What was missing? Do we need to strengthen the team to avoid elimination next year?
You all know this was a rebuilding team. We knew there was a lack of experience, a mix of veterans and young players. We built something solid, something positive. I agree, next season, we shouldn’t be talking about rebuilding, but about consolidating our position.
We need to add experience, and quality too. But we worked on solid things, with the right mindset and commitment from the players. There were results and quality performances. We need to keep working hard. After that, avoiding elimination is impossible. We have to work to win, and then there’s an opponent ahead of us, who has quality. A mistake is punished too.
What did you say to the players after the match?
There are no words. I’m disappointed, just like them. This isn’t the time to talk. But I lost, just like the players, and I’m very proud of them this season. This group stepped up on the pitch, especially in the second half of the season. I’m proud of what we achieved.
Paulo César: “We just missed scoring.”
Does this defeat call your future into question?
No.
What was missing tonight?
We just missed scoring. We had chances. Then they were more clinical, scoring one goal out of two opportunities. For us, there were the VAR cancellations. We just missed a few details.
Mary Earps didn’t play?
It was a tactical decision, like all the players who didn’t play, and that’s my responsibility.
