This Sunday, the Paris Saint-Germain and Paris FC women’s teams faced off at the Parc des Princes in the Arkéma 2024-2025 Première Ligue playoff semi-final. After the 3-0 victory, coach Paulo César spoke in the mixed zone.
Paulo César: “We had a common goal and well done to the girls.
A rather controlled victory, even if there were some difficult moments ?
Yes, we were up against a great team. Sometimes we forget that we’ve had trouble winning against them this season. They’re very well organised. The girls were in control of the game overall. You can concede chances. But they were very focused. We had a common goal and well done to the girls.
What was your reaction to a message from the Ultras ? How did it feel to be back at the Parc ?
Seeing that message from the fans is extraordinary. I have something very beautiful with them, extraordinary memories. I’d like to thank them. Coming back to the Parc as a coach is a dream come true. I’m going to celebrate this first one. It was in front of my family and a lot of people from the club. I’m very happy. I hope we can continue in this vein.
Paulo César “We have to keep it, that’s how positive things are going to happen.”
Were you expecting the celebration with the players after Sakina Karchaoui’s goal ?
No, I wasn’t expecting it at all, I was surprised (smile). But I’m delighted. I rely a lot on the collective. Positive energy is important. It’s important what we’ve been able to create this week. We have to keep it up, because that’s how positive things are going to happen.
Was putting a smile back on your face your main aim ?
My main aim was to change the energy in the group. We had to get rid of the disappointment of the French Cup final. We had to smile, have fun and work towards a common goal. It can’t be a burden. Responsibility is not a burden. It’s a job that players love, a passion. You have to love it. That’s how it works.
Paulo César “We have to do things together, we can’t succeed on our own.”
How can you prepare the team in such a short space of time? Especially since PSG hadn’t beaten Paris FC.
That’s because we worked together, with a strategy that worked. The players were close and concentrated. They applied the instructions, which is a pleasure. You have to do things together, you can’t succeed on your own.
What instructions did you give the players? What did you say after the match?
You saw the pressing (laughs). You can’t let the players take the time to prepare for the ball. It worked well. We scored early on, which made things easier. We also did a great job up front, with a quality team. I congratulate my players. There are instructions, but after that they make the decisions.
Do you dream of winning the championship?
I’m going to celebrate first. Tomorrow, I’ll have a meeting with the management. But I’m going to remember the efficiency and content on the pitch, the joy of playing together, the desire. It’s all very positive.
