Paris Saint-Germain won 1-4 against Stuttgart (video highlights Stuttgart/PSG) this Wednesday at the Mercedes-Benz Arena as part of matchday 8 of the Champions League 2024-2025 league phase. After the match, Parisian president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi spoke in the mixed zone. He stressed his confidence in the current project, the players and coach Luis Enrique. He also talked about the draw for the play-offs (this Friday at 12pm), with Brest or Monaco.
Al-Khelaïfi “When we had four points after the first three games, everyone said we were out.”
How did you feel after qualifying ?
When we got four points after the first three games, everyone said we were out. The players continue to show that we’re on the right track.
I’ve always had confidence in the coach and the players. I know who they are: when I was with them, I felt they had the desire to go far in this competition.
It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure. All Champions League matches are very difficult. Look, today (Wednesday) we won 4-1, but it wasn’t easy all the same.
We have a lot of respect for Stuttgart, they’re a great team. But the players are still showing that we’re on the right track to achieving our goals.
Al-Khelaïfi “it was very important to show our character”.
What did you say to the players ?
You know, I don’t like talking much. But it was very important to show our character once again. That it wasn’t just for one match, against City, but also in other matches.
The style of play and character that Luis Enrique gives our players is the most important thing for me. Results count, of course, but we’re very happy to continue with the same style of play, very attacking. All the players gave their all, although I’m obviously pleased for Dembélé, who scored his first hat-trick for us.
Al-Khelaïfi “It’s something wonderful for French soccer.”
Brest or Monaco ?
It’s good because our club also wants to play against a club from the same country. But Brest is having a very, very good season, and so is Monaco. We respect them a lot. It’s not easy. I’m very, very proud because we have four French clubs qualified for the play-offs.
It’s the first time in the history of the Champions League for France. It’s a wonderful thing for French soccer. That’s what we want. But we want to qualify now, of course. But it’s going to be a tough, tough game.
Al-Khelaïfi “We have a team for now, but also for the future.”
Any relief tonight ?
We have confidence in our project and our young players. They’re great players, with qualities and personality. We have a style, we have a DNA, and the most important thing is what we’ve been creating over the last year and a half.
We have a team for now, but also for the future. The most important thing is not the result of a match or qualification. We have the basis. We have the team for now and the future.
