Yohan, Paris Saint-Germain are back in the Youth League Final Four for the first time since 2015. What does that represent for the club and for the academy?
“It’s a source of pride for the club, but also for the academy. It validates the work that has been carried out over several years now. We are very demanding on a daily basis, and this allows us to play high-stakes matches in a major competition. Being at this level in Europe is, of course, very important. But above all, it’s important to understand that it remains a step in the players’ development.”
As you said, this is the highest European level for your Titis. How can this experience benefit their development?
“These are matches that prepare them for the demands of the very, very highest European level, in terms of intensity, pressure and managing emotions. And it’s true that these kinds of experiences, which they can go through in such important matches for us, are very difficult to recreate in training. So it allows them to grow much faster.”
What will the club’s objectives be during this Final Four?
“The objective is to perform well and stay true to our identity and our principles. Of course, as competitors, we want to go all the way in the competition. But what is essential above all is the way we perform and the progress we make in this context, which will also be important for us in terms of evaluation.”
What’s your view on the team’s journey so far?
“It’s been a varied journey, and a very demanding one, because when you come up against different styles of football, you have to both maintain our identity and our playing principles, while also finding solutions to break down opposition blocks that play in different ways. Some teams came to press us high, others sat deep defensively away from home. We started well against Atalanta here, in the first match, where we won 5–1, which really launched our campaign. Then at home, we built on that momentum and stayed solid. We scored quite a lot of goals; it was a bit more difficult away from home, but those were also matches that helped us grow and gain experience.”
Was there a particular match that stood out to you?
“No, every match was different and important. I mentioned the match against Atalanta, but there was also the game against Tottenham, for example, where there was a lot of entertainment, goals and good play. There were some very, very good moments, intensity and honestly, it was a pleasure to watch and observe at the Campus in a great atmosphere. We were also lucky to have the ultras with us, which helped create that kind of ‘mini European Cup’ atmosphere. It was really very enjoyable and exciting.”
The next match is against Real Madrid, a fixture that sparks excitement. What kind of game can we expect?
“Yes, it’s a big clash, as always against Real Madrid. We’re expecting a very high-level match with a lot of intensity. It will clearly be a test for our players, but also a great opportunity for them to show their progress and prove that they belong at this Final Four level. To show their ambitions while remaining humble but very determined, keeping confidence in ourselves and having the desire to implement our playing principles.”