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Ligue 1 – Lens of Paris Saint-Germain vs RC
Football – Ligue 1 – Paris Saint-Germain – Lens RC – Parc des Princes, Paris, France – April 23, 2022 Fans celebrate with torches outside the stadium after PSG won the Ligue 1 title.
Paris, April 24 (BNA) Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo admitted mistakes after frustrated fans chose not to celebrate the capital’s team’s record-equalizing 10th Ligue 1 title win on Saturday.
Instead of the usual shouting and cheering that characterizes such occasions, PSG fans on Saturday quickly walked out of the Parc des Princes just 10 minutes after their club secured the Ligue 1 trophy after a 1-1 draw with RC Lens.
For fans, the league title was no consolation for another Champions League failure, Reuters reported.
And coach Mauricio Pochettino’s team lost in the round of 16 at the hands of Real Madrid after wasting its 2-0 lead on aggregate.
“I made mistakes, I did things – in staffing and management – that could have had an impact on our results,” Leonardo told Canal Plus.
Along with Saint-Etienne, Paris Saint-Germain now shares the record for winning the most Ligue 1 titles.
But despite the wealth of talent in a team led by Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar, PSG will have to settle for a Ligue 1 title this year as they also exited the French Cup early.
“Everyone has an impact on the season and we have to take responsibility,” Leonardo said, adding that “decisions (will be made” during the off-season downturn) without elaborating.
In response to a question about the fans’ attitude, the Brazilian said, “Expectations were high, and the disappointment was just as great.”
Midfielder Marco Verratti appeared to be alarmed by the indifference of the fans who showed up on Saturday.
“We give everything we have. At some point, you have to move on,” the Italian said.
“Last year we didn’t win the title, it hurt a lot so we have to enjoy it as much as possible when we win. It’s a shame for the atmosphere, but football is our passion, we started at a very young age,” he said. Captain Marquinhos.
“It’s a pity that it’s not with the fans but we have to deal with it. There are always good and bad sides. We won the title, we have to keep up the good things, the work done during the season, even if we don’t lose. He’s very good in Europe.”
Pochettino, who has done little to improve PSG’s fortunes since taking over 16 months ago, is hoping fans will start appreciating wins rather than endlessly focusing on losses.
“We are going through a difficult period with the masses and we hope it will improve,” he said at a new conference. “We are in a democracy and we accept all protests.”
“But we have to show respect for that title.”
Leonardo added: “Being a football club means creating some energy between the team and the fans.
“So, we have to have a deep understanding of what has happened this season and make decisions.”