It’s going to be a very hot summer in Paris. Their elimination at the quarter-final stage of last season’s Champions League against Manchester City, has not gone down well with the president of Paris Saint-Germain, Nasser Al-Khelaifi. In an interview with Le Parisien, the patron announced major changes in regards to next season. This new cycle will cover the whole team including the coach as he stated that; "Will Laurent Blanc still be our coach? I do not want to speak today of any case in particular. There will be major changes however because if we go on like this, we will never win the Champions League. Two hours before the return leg against Manchester City I knew we were going to get eliminated because I didn’t see any fire coming from the players. They were not mentally ready, they lacked the hunger. Who is to blame? I do not know, but it will never happen again. Blanc has had my total support for three seasons. But now is the time to reflect, we will have to ask the right questions to build a strong squad for Europe".

 

 So if, as seems likely, Blanc will say goodbye to the club, would Al-Khelaifi give a clue on his successor; in a message clearly aimed at Diego Simeone he declared that; "I have great respect for Atletico Madrid, the club, the team and the fans. They always have a lot of motivation; they deserved to go to the final. This is the second time in three years and it is not a coincidence. On the two big named stars linked with the club, Ronaldo and Neymar, he declared that; “ No, we will not sign any stars this summer. We need players who have hunger and desire, players that are ready to die for the club and for the shirt". On the subject of current striker as Cavani he explained that; "Cavani is one of the best in the world, he has scored many goals in his career. He is one of the best strikers in circulation, why should we look elsewhere?”

 

 Moving on to another potential transfer target, Hatem Ben Arfa, he stated that; “He is a great player for French football. He has now matures and has a lot of talent and a lot of quality. Some wonder if he can work in a big club. In my opinion the answer is yes. I will not say if he will play with us next season, I am just saying that is an option”. Finally, he was asked if Leonardo would return to Paris, he replied; “ As you know, I have an excellent relationship with him. We often talk; he is a man of quality, a great sporting director. One day, perhaps, but for the moment he is not part of the project".

Steve Mitchell @barafundler