Former Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc, 59, spoke to Le Parisien after the club’s Champions League triumph. He praises the 55-year-old Luis Enrique’s success in leading a close-knit team, and reflects on the club’s patience and resilience in the face of criticism and past failures.
Blanc “This coronation is a form of revenge for everything that may have been said or written!”
“This coronation is a form of revenge for everything that has been said or written! It’s great that it was this type of coach who enabled Paris Saint-Germain to win. The word “collective” applies perfectly to Luis. Bravo to Luis and his staff. He is imbued with the same rigor.
The club has also learned from its past failures. It has never given in to discouragement, despite the sometimes detestable atmosphere! When I was coaching PSG, I was often asked if I thought the club would ever win the Champions League. And at the time, many people doubted it.
Blanc “Marquinhos is the epitome of regularity and loyalty”.
Some people used to make fun of me when I invariably replied, “Yes, it will happen.” I didn’t know when, but I was convinced that Paris would get there in the end. And that day has come. Good for the club, good for the players. Marquinhos is the epitome of consistency and loyalty. I’m delighted that he had the honour of lifting the trophy first.”
Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph illustrates the profound transformation of the club, long criticized for its lack of cohesion. Laurent Blanc points out that 55-year-old Luis Enrique has succeeded in imposing a rigor and team spirit that have enabled PSG to finally reach this long-awaited milestone. This success is not just that of a coach, but of a group that has learned from its mistakes, refusing to give in to pressure and discouragement despite a sometimes oppressive atmosphere.
Marquinhos, 31, embodies this loyalty and consistency, essential qualities for building a lasting project. The fact that he is the one to lift the trophy symbolizes the reward for his unfailing commitment. This long-awaited triumph vindicates those who, like Blanc, have always believed in PSG’s ability to reach the summit of Europe, proving that patience and perseverance pay off in the end.
