Youri Djorkaeff, former attacking midfielder with Paris Saint-Germain (1995-1996), Inter Milan (1996-1999) and the French national team (82 caps), was invited by L’Equipe to talk about the 2024-2025 Champions League final between the two clubs this Saturday. The Snake said that choosing a club would be like choosing between his children, but also spoke highly of the teams.
Djorkaeff “They got there in style”.
“Are you surprised to see them there?
(Firmly.) I’d been predicting this final since February.
Why was that?
The enthusiasm of both teams, their state of mind. Right from the start, I thought Inter were very strong, well in place right up until the delirium of the semi-final against Barça (3-3; 4-3 a.p.)! Paris seduced me with their passion. Very early on in the knockout phase, they both became my favourites. They got there with style, and showed themselves to be at the top level at the right time.
Djorkaeff “had the courage of his convictions”.
Is this already an achievement for PSG?
It’s already a success in terms of the game. Paris has found the right formula. When Qatar bought the club, they decided on a methodology based on stars. The shareholder had the intelligence to change with this new philosophy around youth and the game, with the coach to implement it.
Luis Enrique’s strength has been to see it right from last year, with the right adjustments. He had the courage of his convictions. Paris has also taken on the right talents.”
We don’t want to make too much of it, but we also had this final in mind when we saw the draw for the Round of 16. A little pride shared with Djorkaeff is no mean feat. To get back to the basics, there are of course two teams who deserve their place in the final.
In any case, no one reaches such a match by luck alone. Some teams have been able to give a little of that feeling, but it’s very simplistic to boil them down to that. Here, there’s no doubt. PSG and Inter Milan have put in a great performance, with some great matches to come.
Both come with certainties, an ability to turn situations around and a philosophy of play. Both are built on mobility, with players changing positions, even if the manner remains a little different.
In any case, PSG have finally built a real collective. There are always players who stand out more in certain games, depending on their form, the opponent and a bit of success. But over the season as a whole, many players shone, and certain shortcomings were compensated for. That’s the strength of a great team. So there’s real hope this Saturday, even if there’s nothing easy about it.
Whatever the result, we’ll be able to say that Paris has progressed and that the club is on the right track. Not least thanks to the work of coach Luis Enrique, even if some people had their doubts over the autumn. Of course, we’re hoping that the final scoreline will allow us to put all this into practice in full and with joy.
