In this article, we present the match of the season. Well, almost the match of the season, because after the postponement and the UNFP suit-and-tie trophies in Ligue 1, this Lens-Paris SG game looks more like an “All-star game,” just for fun. Let’s analyze the match with Arnaud Hermant, a former PSG journalist turned referee for Paris FC and Le Parisien.
This RCL-PSG match has a bittersweet flavor. The almost crowned winner of Ligue 1 faces its runner-up at the Bollaert-Delelis stadium a month after its originally planned date, in a showdown between two teams that have long been contenders for the title. A decisive match that has turned into a farce. The controversy surrounding the almost unilateral decision to postpone the match, without the agreement of Racing, has not completely subsided. Blame it on the LFP, which prioritizes European clubs in their quest for the title under the UEFA banner. Essentially, the schedule is tailor-made for PSG, who have struggled for years to pass the Champions League semi-finals. This season, the League has gone all out to undermine what could have been the real season finale, committing hara-kiri on its own product.
The match postponement, a double-edged controversy:
According to our source Arnaud Hermant, “The controversy surrounding the postponement is a double-edged sword. It’s evident that given the season, this postponement takes away the excitement from the match. Furthermore, Paris is not officially the champion yet, which means if Lens had not dropped a few points along the way, especially against Brest, then this May 13 match would still be of particular importance. Additionally, the amendment to the professional league rules to allow for the postponement of matches for European clubs was unanimously approved by the board of directors, where Joseph Oughourlian had a significant role.”
It’s difficult today not to appear as a sore loser while questioning a measure that was previously approved. The postponement of a Brest-Strasbourg match, with the Alsace club competing for the Conference League, is also a strategic move to show that everyone is affected by the measure, not just PSG. The decision to postpone was definitively sealed by Strasbourg’s request, casting doubt on the accusations of favoritism, notes the L’Equipe reporter. This is a tough blow for the sport, an own goal by the League shattering its own showcase in a chaotic financial environment.
Nasser vs. Joseph, David vs. Goliath:
The Lens and PSG matchup symbolizes two contrasting sides facing off. These two clubs represent two different worlds. The decision to postpone reflects a system designed by and for PSG, according to Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s standards. “The Qatari president wields a lot of power, thanks to his financial might, as well as the political influence he has built over the years within professional football. He plays multiple central roles within the LFP, the chief of the Ligue 1 broadcaster, and a member of UEFA’s executive board. He is omnipresent nowadays, making him indispensable. However, the conflict of interest is not a recent issue, and nobody was too upset by it not so long ago, including Lens, when Qatar (via Bein Sport) was pouring hundreds of millions into the league and clubs,” notes a source.
“What can be irritating is that criticism arises now when the coffers are empty. While one can attribute an excessive influence from the Qatari president over the LFP, Nasser has little to do with decisions like choosing Mediapro. Furthermore, Nasser has managed to charm a considerable portion of the club presidents. He has a unique way of building relationships, being a charming and hospitable man who doesn’t hesitate to invite his colleagues to VIP seats at Champions League matches,” further adds the source. While this hospitality may not be groundbreaking, it seems sufficient to please Olivier Létang, who has surprisingly become docile in the face of the president of a normally rival club.
On the other side of the ring, Joseph Oughourlian holds the role of the outsider – a self-made financier with real influence in the business and football world. However, Joseph does not seem interested in the luxury boxes at the Parc des Princes and is more concerned about the direction of French professional football. “The majority shareholder of RCL has discreetly but surely worked to oppose and anticipate the failure of French football. ‘He saw it coming,’ as Michel Platini might say,” the source comments. Joseph’s ability to foresee problems has enabled Racing to remain financially sound while presenting significant sporting opposition over the past two seasons. Racing supporters can only admire how the shareholder leads the club, which, like him, reaches the heights alongside PSG.
A match of stakes, nonetheless:
Although the context is peculiar, this Lens-PSG match remains intriguing to watch. Every professional club and competitor must strive to uphold their position, especially in such a high-profile match. Racing has the opportunity to prove that they have the talent to compete with the celestial French champions and possibly delay their new title until the last matchday. It’s also a captivating confrontation to prepare for a final. A luxury as a preparation match.
According to Arnaud Hermant, “If Lens wins, they will have competed until the end. Beating Paris means taking revenge for the postponement issue, the first leg match, and proving that this rivalry exists until the end. Paris cannot officially celebrate their Ligue 1 title yet. On the field, PSG will most likely rotate players, even though it’s uncertain whether they will field a star-studded lineup. Luis Enrique’s strength, who considers Paris ‘champions at 99.9%’, lies in his ability to rotate in recent seasons. On the field, after the UNFP trophies, it remains a splendid gala match with the league’s star players. As for the prediction, I’d say 1-1, even if I’m not great at predictions.” Don’t worry, Arnaud, at CSO as well, we have our fair share of inaccurate predictors.
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Acknowledgements to Arnaud Hermant for his promptness, evident knowledge of professional football, and friendliness. We will surely see him again to discuss the other Paris, FC, which he now closely follows after 23 years of intimacy with PSG. Enjoy the match, Arnaud, and see you soon on Culture Sang et Or. Go Lens!
