FAVORITES
As Frédéric Antonetti has indicated, the people of Strasbourg owe their survival only to themselves. However, they were able to count on the unwavering support of their fiery public. Again on Saturday evening, Racing supporters made a devilish racket against PSG (1-1), for the last game of the season at home, that of maintenance. “It’s a real Ligue 1 club, with an extraordinary, formidable public. It’s a city and a region of football, just waiting to vibrate, “swears the 61-year-old coach. In any case, La Meinau proved to be faithful to its reputation on Saturday evening, and even more so, with many tifos before and during the match and a fiery atmosphere from A to Z. We are therefore very happy to know that Strasbourg is continuing in Ligue 1 next season: the team has its place, its public too.
Admittedly, the 2022-23 season will leave a bitter taste in the mouths of PSG lovers. Nevertheless, we can not overuse a title of champion of France. Especially when it’s the 11th, which allows the capital club to double ASSE (10 titles). Almost perfect statistically in the first part of the season before drawing on the return from the World Cup, Christophe Galtier’s players did the job. They will still have held the top spot in the leaderboard throughout the season, from matchday one to matchday one! It’s not nothing. “Champion of France. 11th title. Ladies and gentlemen, the biggest club in France is PSG”, ignites Kylian Mbappé on social networks. It is in any case the most successful, and this in absolutely all French competitions. Hat.
Landed in 2013 from Mulhouse, Dimitri Liénard may have played his last match with Racing on Saturday. In the meantime, the public, his teammates and the club paid him a vibrant tribute. Guard of honor, presentation of drawings, songs, huge tifo at the start of the second period… Full of emotions for the 35-year-old player, at the end of his contract and whose future is still uncertain. Entering in the 65th minute of play, he warmly greeted the supporters after the final whistle. “It’s a fabulous story,” says Antonetti. National 2 player who manages to do seven years in a row in Ligue 1… He’s the only one! It is an extraordinary story. But that’s because he had qualities. We don’t play in the first division for seven years if we don’t have one… Great left foot. I have nothing to add. The tribute paid by the public is deserved. The public suffered a lot and they suffered with them. He is part of the story. It takes one or two chapters in the history book of Racing”, he swears.
Everywhere, the same story. Adored by Paris Saint-Germain supporters, the captain of the France team also commands the respect and admiration of opposing fans. This was still the case on Saturday in Strasbourg. And Bondy’s star took care of his image. After having involuntarily “turned on” a supporter in the warm-up, Mbappé immediately came to meet her, following her on the edge of the field while she received treatment. It must be said that the young woman had a bloody nose… The class. On the meadow, the Parisian number 7 lacked success, but he gratified the Meinau with some class actions, like his decisive pass.
CLAW STRIKES
That’s done. Pushed to their limits by Lens and, for a time, OM, the Parisians finally won the title of champion of France. A relief more than an overflowing joy. No scenes of delirium on the lawn of the Meinau nor on returning to the bus. The players however went to greet their supporters, even if it was only for a handful of seconds, they were all there. Including Leo Messi. “Now we have to celebrate, enjoy,” relished Vitinha, the only player to have answered questions from journalists. Nasser Al-Khlelaïfi, although present in Strasbourg, did not risk it. One thing is certain: it is not, for example, a title that will be celebrated like that of Lille in 2021. “These are different emotions. In 2021, it was an incredible performance to finish ahead of PSG with Losc, remembers Christophe Galtier. It was unexpected. When you arrive at PSG, there is this obligation of result, and not only. I am not relieved, I am very happy that PSG are champions and to have led this team, but the flavors are not the same. The party with the supporters will be for the match against Clermont.
When asked if he thinks he deserves to lead PSG next season, Christophe Galtier did not hesitate: “Yes”. Frank and massive. The 56-year-old technician is convinced that injuries and the context of a particular season, World Cup requires, are the main causes of the capital club’s torment. “There is a big gap between what the media can say and what I live on a daily basis,” he promises, before pleading his case. “Why do I deserve? Because I gave it my all in this season, with a lot of energy throughout. We knew and I knew how to stay the course in very difficult times, on a professional or personal level. You (journalists) have not spared me. We are champion of France. We won the Champions Trophy. The catastrophic seasons at PSG are when you are not a champion. He’s wrong about that… Of course, it’s not all his fault, that goes without saying. But his responsibility in the balance sheet is involved. “Personally, I feel that I deserve to continue. Do the leaders agree? You don’t know,” he swears. We still doubt it…
