Project Mbappe & PSGs European Headache
Reflecting on Mbappe Departure and PSGs Quest for European Glory
Kylian Mbappe’s departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) marks the end of a chapter filled with triumphs and questions. During his seven years at the club, Mbappe's journey has been characterized by an intriguing blend of individual brilliance and collective aspirations, leaving behind a legacy that is as complex as it is impactful.
While the club saw success on the domestic front, with multiple Ligue 1 titles and domestic cup triumphs, it’s the club’s failure to conquer the UEFA Champions League that defines the narrative. Despite his goal-scoring prowess and undeniable talent, European glory remained elusive, serving as a constant reminder of unmet expectations.
Mbappe's departure signifies the closing of a chapter in PSG's history. As he embarks on a new journey with Real Madrid, the pressure to deliver Champions League success will only intensify.
Like Mbappe, Neymar arrived at PSG amid great fanfare and lofty expectations, with the primary objective of delivering Champions League success. Lionel Messi was also brought in, however, again, the glaring omission from the trophy cabinet was the coveted Champions League.
These players have undeniable talent and have delivered countless examples of individual brilliance, but none of them could help fulfil PSG's ultimate objective of European victory.
While it’s easy to expect a club that spends big money on star players to achieve the biggest prizes, we have to remember there are other clubs spending a lot of money too.
In the last decade, PSG is third behind Chelsea and Manchester United in net-spend.
Manchester United – €1.39bn
Chelsea FC – €1.033bn
PSG - €1.01bn
Arsenal FC – €872m
Manchester City – €856m
Newcastle United – €671m
FC Barcelona – €663m
Tottenham Hotspur – €609m
AC Milan – €545m
West Ham United – €526m
(Source)
Winning the Champions League is HARD. The unpredictability of knockout football, coupled with the intense competition from Europe's elite clubs, underscores the task that awaits any team vying for glory.
Navigating through the group stages to overcoming stronger opponents in the knockout rounds, every step of the journey presents its own set of obstacles. All while competing in domestic leagues and cups at the same time and trying to keep a squad fit and healthy.
Was Project Mbappe a failure?
From a PSG business perspective, you could argue in favour of yes, due to their clear and obvious goal of winning the Champions League. They were already winning domestic titles before he arrived, only missing out to Mbappe’s Monaco in the 2016/17 season. They had won the previous four years in a row.
On the other hand, I guess signing Mbappe and others helped secure the league title for the following years, so there is a counter-argument. I can see both sides. Failure is a strong word so I was hesitant to paint the project with that brush, however, it wasn’t a success either.
I don’t know what PSGs next move will be, I’ve seen Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli) names thrown in the ring to replace Mbappe, who are all very talented players. I just can’t help but think it’s going to be a few more years of waiting for PSG.
For Mbappe, I think this move to Real Madrid is important for his personal legacy and I firmly believe Madrid will have a Champions League title again in the next couple of seasons, if not this year. It’s their tournament, they have a strong squad already and are strengthening even more for next season.
I believe this next phase for the Frenchman has the potential to be his most successful period in club football.
Thanks for reading, David Skilling
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