Uncertainty overshadows PSG's success in Ligue 1
Source: AFP |
May 14, 2013, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
OVERWHELMING favorite at the start of the season, Paris Saint-Germain was eventually able to celebrate winning the French Ligue 1 title with two games to spare, but uncertainty surrounding the future takes some of the shine off the club's triumph.
PSG, owned by Qataris, had not finished as high as second in Ligue 1 since 2004. Now, it has won the title for the first time since 1994 - the third time in its history.
But there were times when it looked as if Carlo Ancelotti's team might crumble under pressure.
Defeats at struggling Sochaux and Reims gave the impression that PSG's glamorous collection of stars were only really motivated by the Champions League. "Maybe we are not made to play in games like these," claimed its Brazilian sporting director Leonardo in March. "Perhaps we have a team designed more for Europe."
Despite its success, Ancelotti's style of play has come in for criticism as, for all the millions spent on the likes of Thiago Silva, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, not enough exciting football was played.
It is also unclear whether Ancelotti will still be at the club next season amid speculation about a move to Real Madrid. The loss of the Italian, despite the criticism, would be a considerable blow.
Finding a replacement of a similar calibre would not be easy for the owners, and, if Ancelotti does go, many of the squad's leading players might reconsider their futures.
Will Thiago Silva or Ibrahimovic, the two marquee recruits of last summer, wish to stay without the Italian?
The likeable former AC Milan boss is held in high esteem by his players. Events in the coming weeks are therefore likely to be pivotal for the new champion as it aims to begin a new era of domination at home and abroad.
PSG, owned by Qataris, had not finished as high as second in Ligue 1 since 2004. Now, it has won the title for the first time since 1994 - the third time in its history.
But there were times when it looked as if Carlo Ancelotti's team might crumble under pressure.
Defeats at struggling Sochaux and Reims gave the impression that PSG's glamorous collection of stars were only really motivated by the Champions League. "Maybe we are not made to play in games like these," claimed its Brazilian sporting director Leonardo in March. "Perhaps we have a team designed more for Europe."
Despite its success, Ancelotti's style of play has come in for criticism as, for all the millions spent on the likes of Thiago Silva, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, not enough exciting football was played.
It is also unclear whether Ancelotti will still be at the club next season amid speculation about a move to Real Madrid. The loss of the Italian, despite the criticism, would be a considerable blow.
Finding a replacement of a similar calibre would not be easy for the owners, and, if Ancelotti does go, many of the squad's leading players might reconsider their futures.
Will Thiago Silva or Ibrahimovic, the two marquee recruits of last summer, wish to stay without the Italian?
The likeable former AC Milan boss is held in high esteem by his players. Events in the coming weeks are therefore likely to be pivotal for the new champion as it aims to begin a new era of domination at home and abroad.
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