PSG Fans Demand Change After Champions League Exit
Despite a comfortable 3-0 victory over bottom-placed Bordeaux on sunday, March 13th, the atmosphere at the Parc des Princes was far from celebratory. The sting of Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League Round of 16 exit at the hands of Real Madrid just four days prior lingered heavily, fueling the ire of the Parisian faithful.
The fans, disillusioned by the club’s repeated failures on the European stage, directed their frustration towards the players and management, demanding a complete overhaul. This discontent was palpable throughout the match, with chants and banners calling for the resignation of key figures like President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and Sporting Director Leonardo.
While Kylian Mbappé, who scored the opening goal and currently shares the Ligue 1 top scorer title with Wissam Ben Yedder, received a hero’s welcome, the rest of the squad faced a barrage of boos and insults. even superstars like Lionel Messi and Neymar, the world’s most expensive player, were not spared the wrath of the crowd.
This open rebellion against the club’s leadership marks a important turning point in the Qatar Sports Investments era. The collectif Ultras Paris (CUP), PSG’s main fan association, issued a scathing open letter on Saturday, criticizing the management’s lack of vision and accountability.
“We don’t have short memories,” the CUP stated. “We certainly know what our return to prominence owes to President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, but it is indeed clear that he is not the right person for the job. The current situation demands a complete reorganization at all levels and the daily presence of its president.”
The CUP also took aim at Leonardo, highlighting his questionable transfer decisions since his return in 2019. They questioned the club’s lack of a coherent sporting project, pointing to the haphazard assembly of star players without a clear tactical identity.
The anger manifested itself in the stands with banners proclaiming “Mbappé in Paris, Leonardo in the pillory,” “Direction resignation,” and “Give us back the PSG.”
While immediate changes are unlikely, the pressure on the PSG hierarchy is immense.According to reports from L’Equipe and Le Parisien, significant decisions regarding the club’s future are expected at the end of the season in May.
With Ligue 1 practically secured and a two-month stretch ahead, the coming weeks promise to be a period of intense scrutiny and uncertainty for PSG. The club’s future hangs in the balance, with the fans demanding a radical shift in direction.
