Paris Saint-Germain and Brest faced off this Sunday at the Parc des Princes in Matchday 33 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season. The match ended in a 1-0 victory. After the game, Brest coach Eric Roy spoke at a press conference.
Roy: “I have regrets about certain situations”
“Are you satisfied with your players’ performance at the Parc (0-1)?”
“We’re missing a point tonight, maybe even more, but I don’t have much to criticize the players for. They played the match we expected of them. We were solid defensively, trying to cause problems for Paris Saint-Germain. I have regrets about certain situations where we lacked technical precision. The lads played a very good match. I hope we can maintain this momentum.”
Roy: “Proof that the lads responded well.” “
How did you assess this three-man defense?
It’s a system we worked on during the week, one I’d never implemented in an official match. Overall, the lads executed it quite well. We wanted to manage that width, because we know PSG spreads their defense wide and that the other players then exploit the space. We managed those spaces well, which is satisfying.
Unfortunately, Brendan (Chardonnet) got injured the day before the match. Lucas (Tousart) filled in well. I knew he was capable of adapting. That was also very satisfying. We mustn’t forget that our four starting defenders weren’t there, which shows how well the lads responded.
Roy: “They would be starters at any Ligue 1 club.”
Did you see a difference in PSG’s performance once the substitutes came on?
In this match, not really.” We knew they were going to bring on talented players. But when you play with Ramos, Barcola, and Lee, they’d be starters at any Ligue 1 club. But when you see Dembélé, Kvara, and Doué come on, you can expect it to be more complicated. It was, but it took an individual feat from Désiré Doué,” said Roy, as reported by L’Equipe.
Of course, there’s disappointment with a defeat. Even if Brest doesn’t have much left to play for at the end of the season. The main thing is to put on a good performance and enjoy themselves. That’s what Roy wanted to do at the Parc des Princes, above all by defending well. It wasn’t the most spectacular display, but you can also understand the desire to be solid against this PSG side. Especially after the 4-0 defeat last week against Paris FC.
Brest accomplished their mission rather well, as PSG struggled to create chances. Admittedly, this was with a revamped team. But there’s still merit in holding their own against the players they fielded. The Parisian side shouldn’t be judged too harshly either, as it’s not easy to maintain fluidity when lacking cohesion and, certainly, confidence.
In any case, Brest adapted quite well to their opponent and their depleted squad, which is a positive takeaway for Roy and his club. Even if doubts remain about the project this summer. The sporting director is leaving; perhaps the coach will follow suit.
