This Wednesday, 25th-ranked Paris Saint-Germain take on 22nd-ranked Manchester City at the Parc des Princes for Matchday 7 of the Champions League 2024-2025 league phase (kick-off 9pm, broadcast on Canal+). With 2 days to go before the match, club legend Raí spoke to the club’s website. He talked about the atmosphere of his great Parisian evenings, his memories and the importance of the fans.
Raí “The atmosphere was absolutely crazy”.
“Raí, what memories do you have of the big games with Paris ?
I remember playing in a Champions League quarter-final, the first in PSG’s history. We played Barcelona here at the Parc in particular. Those are great memories. And the crowd exploding when Vincent Guérin scored… The atmosphere was absolutely crazy.
Raí “They push us to go even further, that’s the magic of the fans”.
How important are the fans in these important matches ?
The fans often make the difference, especially in decisive matches. It’s when the team is in doubt that the fans can make the difference, boosting morale and providing extra motivation on the pitch. They help the players overcome the tension of the match. They push us to go even further, that’s the magic of the fans.
Raí “It’s the sound that hits us”.
How would you describe the difference fans can make at a match ?
It’s the sound… the atmosphere. When you’re in the match, sometimes you don’t have time to look up and see the stands. It’s the sound that hits you. I remember when I tried a technical move and I got it right, the atmosphere in the stands was crazy.
Raí “It’s always a special moment to score and share the joy with the fans”.
Your greatest personal memory ?
After a goal, there’s great communion. It’s always a special moment to score and share the joy with the fans. I also remember my presentation at the Parc des Princes, which was a very special moment. And also my last match at the Parc, against Monaco. So much emotion. A real communion with the fans.
Supporters are very important in soccer. The public is capable of galvanizing its team and putting the opposition to the sword. Rai played in Paris during an exceptional period, when the fans were less sterile. That said, Parisian fans know soccer and are always on hand, home and away, to help their team.
We’ve seen more complicated seasons, but as long as the team gives its all on the pitch, the fans won’t give up. It’s important to remember that Paris will be playing at home, and that’s a real advantage. We know that City are even stronger at home, but that’s also true for PSG. It’s not just the fans, it’s also the habits, the fact that the trip to the stadium is shorter and you can even go into the post-match period, when the players go home earlier.
Paris must seize this opportunity at home to play a great match. The result will have to be positive, but what will be unforgivable in the eyes of some will be the attitude of the starting 11. If there’s ever a lack of investment, it will show. We mustn’t calculate anything.
