Paris Saint-Germain president Sébastien Bazin has responded to Jérôme Rothen’s statements in Monday’s press by assuring that the club will boast “a stronger team next season.”

President, what do you think about Jérôme Rothen’s declarations in the press?
“No employee of the club has the right to criticise their teammates, the club board or the supporters. The rules are the same for everyone. Paul Le Guen’s statements were unacceptable and I’ve spoken to him about what was said. Jérôme Rothen’s outburst in this morning’s press is quite simply intolerable. We will call upon Jérôme to explain himself and then decide what course of action to take. Players have rights and obligations, that go with all their advantages and they don’t have the right to only take advantage.”

What will you say to him?
“The players have a contract. Jérôme knows he has a contract and in that there are a number of clauses and obligations he has to fulfil within that contract. We will remind him of them. The players owe a certain number of years’ service to the club in return for which the club owes them a certain number of years’ salary. The players have to respect their contracts.”


Do you regret the timing of Paul Le Guen’s future being made public?
“I don’t regret the timing. It was time to start preparing next season. All the players are heading off on holidays. They needed to know who their coach was going to be for next season. It was a thought out decision. We have to stop trying to hide behind an excuse. I find it pretty incredible in football that no-one ever seems to be responsible for anything. It’s the fault of the board, the coach, the supporters. You have to accept the blame. When you’re a professional player, you accept your part of the blame and you don’t hide by saying ‘it’s not my fault.’ It’s all too easy, and above all, not very courageous. Other clubs made the same decision at the same time, but lo and behold it was only at PSG that it turned bad.”

What do you make of the 2008-09 season?
“I don’t have a problem with the season. It was a bad end to the season, but it was still a good campaign. We finished equal fourth and sixth on goal difference. We’re very upset not to have qualified for Europe next season, no doubt about it. It’s a real shame, but it doesn’t mean the whole season is to be written off. PSG is a lot better off than it was at the same time last year. Paul Le Guen is leaving the club in perfect condition for Antoine Kombouaré.”

What do you have to say to the unhappy fans?
“I’m listening, and I’m a responsible and strong person. What appears in the media only gives me more energy and desire to fight even harder for this club. I will do everything I can to make a better team next season. That’s what I’ve been doing for the last three years. No-one can tell me that the team hasn’t improved in terms of quality and professionalism and t will continue to improve next season.”