It works for PSG. Winners 2-0 in the first leg at the Parc des Princes, Luis Enrique’s players won 2-1 at Real Sociedad on Tuesday in the round of 16 second leg of the Champions League. “We played very well, at a very high level. We played as a team, everyone played for each other and that’s what we want as a club. It is the youngest team qualified for the quarters and the youngest starting 11 in the 8th. We are proud, we are building for the future, it’s important. But especially given a team where the players all played together, that’s what we want, what the coach wants. This is very good news for everyone,” rejoices Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, who spoke successively on Canal and RMC Sport, the broadcasters of the meeting.
The Parisian president, however, did not fail to be questioned about Kylian Mbappé. Author of a double after complicated weeks, the native of Paris, leaving this summer, was brilliant in San Sebastian with a double. “Kylian is Kylian, one of the best players in the world. But the team also played very well. He obviously scored two goals, it’s magnificent, he’s the best player in the world. But everyone, all 11 players played for each other, including Kylian. That’s what we want, building for the future, that’s what the coach wants too, the style we want, offensive, everyone running for others. We are very happy, very happy,” swears the Qatari.
“NAK” did not want to confirm what everyone already knows, namely that Mbappé will leave the club at the end of the season and his contract: “As long as the club does not communicate, it is because we cannot cannot communicate. There is something between us. He is at the club, he works for the club, he is under contract with us. What he did today is everything we want. But we are also building for the future.” What about Luis Enrique’s management? When the Spanish coach puts the Frenchman on the bench or takes him out at half-time in L1, some see it as a sanction from the club… “The coach decides. We are with him, whatever his decisions. The most important thing is the team, PSG. Kylian had a great match, we are proud of him, he scored two goals. But the whole team played very well, we are very happy,” promises Nasser Al-Khelaïfi.
And now ? “There will only be very good teams in the quarter-finals, including Bayern (who beat Lazio on Tuesday, Editor’s note). We take it step by step. The quarter-finals of the Champions League will be very tough, as usual. But we want to try and move forward step by step,” he notes. Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and his players will be decided on March 15, during the quarterfinal draw.
