PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi gave a speech to the players this Tuesday at the club’s brand-new Poissy training ground, according to a report tonight from L’Equipe. Today marked the unofficial start of Les Parisiens’ pre-season as their internationally capped players resumed full training at Campus PSG under the guidance of newly-appointed head coach Luis Enrique. The Spaniard has been given full authority by Al-Khelaifi. “It is important to tell you that the manager has the power to do as he pleases, it is he who decides“, the Qatari executive reportedly said.
Al-Khelaifi then spoke of a new era at PSG, a necessity given last season’s underwhelming performances delivered by Les Parisiens, both at home and in Europe. Even if they clinched a record 11th league title, PSG only won the title by a single point over surprise package RC Lens. The French publication understand that Al-Khelaifi has rarely been as forceful and aggressive in front of the playing squad as he was on Tuesday since he took over Les Parisiens in 2011. “All together, we need to go in the same direction and show pride to play for this club, this shirt, for PSG, as well as showing happiness and most of all loyalty.“
Using this very word may be seen as a dig to Kylian Mbappé, who has recently shared his intention in making the 2023-2024 season with PSG his last before moving on as a free agent. Al-Khelaifi then doubled down on his comments that nobody is above Paris Saint-Germain. “The club is bigger than anyone here, even me. I expect you to be at 200% during training. Look, you have the best training ground in the world. You have everything to succed here. There is no excuse not to. You lack nothing. You have to work hard. I want to enjoy watching my team.“
Al-Khelaifi reportedly ended his speech by asking the players to acknowledge the support of their fans, something several of the marquee players at the club – like Lionel Messi or Neymar – are not really reknowned for. “You also need to respect our supporters, our partners. It’s true the relationship was not always easy last season. After the games, I want you to go to the fans. They pay to come see you, to support you. You need to respect that.“
L’Equipe understand that, before his speech, Al-Khelaifi set up individual meetings with the new PSG signings, namely Milan Škriniar, Manuel Ugarte, Marco Asensio, Kang-in Lee, Lucas Hernandez and Cher Ndour.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
