Club history: 2001-02

2001-2002. With the rise and rise of Brazilian genius Ronaldinho (13 goals and seven assists in his first season in France) and a hermetically sealed defence (best in the league with 24 goals conceded), the club from the capital qualified for the UEFA Cup thanks to their fourth-placed finish in Ligue 1. Following the failure of the ‘recruiting young’ policy, Luis Fernandez opted for a change of tact in signing less known, but more seasoned players. The arrival of the Hispanics (Cristobal, Heinze, Pochettino, etc.) provided the perfect balance of professionalism and camaraderie which proved essential in the rebuilding process.

PSG’s results in the various Cup competitions was, on the other hand, disappointing: eliminated in the round-of-32 of the UEFA Cup on penalties by Glasgow Rangers; eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de la Ligue (League Cup) by Lorient; and eliminated in the semi-finals of the Coupe de France (French Cup) by Bordeaux. Another disappointment of the 2001-02 championship was the strike pair of Brazilians Aloisio and Alex. The former Saint-Etienne dynamic duo failed to live up to their billing.

Despite all that, the strong league results saw the capital club meet it’s pre-season goal of qualifying for a European cup competition. Ronaldinho finished the campaign by being crowned World Champion in Japan and South Korea and supporters at the Parc des Princes were licking their lips in anticipation of the coming season, with the Brazilian in full song…