Antoine Arnault, director of LVMH and future shareholder of Paris FC, gave a press conference this Wednesday, November 20 to present his project. Maxence Glevarec, spokesperson for Ultras Lutetia, a group of PFC supporters, reacts to his statements.
What did you learn from Antoine Arnault's statements?
There was nothing that surprised me. This is a message that Mr Ferracci has been harping on for quite a long time. We are in continuity with what was announced. No timeshares, no overspending. He wants to remain in the continuity of what has been created.
Within the group of supporters, does everyone think that the arrival of the Arnault family is good news?
Yes, this is good news for French football in general. He's a Frenchman. It's good that the richest families in France are interested in the most popular sport. It is football that thrills all social classes in this country.
Were you afraid that PFC would lose its DNA as a popular club to become a business?
If I support the PFC, it is for this proximity between the managers, the staff, the supporters, the players. It is for this financial attractiveness, free. I don't want the club to tip into something excessive. The speech is reassuring and we, as supporters, will ensure that actions follow words.
What changes do you expect?
Already, we will change divisions normally. Moving from L2 to L1, better football played on the pitch, a stadium that accommodates more people. Already, the general public is starting to know the PFC. The club made headlines in several media outlets. All the lights are green. We will be able to enjoy some great football.
Is cohabitation possible with PSG?
Why not? It’s a very old subject, the famous second Parisian club. Ile-de-France has more than 10 million inhabitants, obviously there is room for a second club. The only question that will arise is that there is currently no infrastructure to accommodate two Ligue 1 clubs.
This will give rise to a new derby, we know that Antoine Arnault is a big fan of PSG…
The two clubs have no relationship. There will be a sporting rivalry because the Arnault family will put in the money. After a rivalry in the stands, it still remains two different dimensions. There is a large majority of Parisians who support PSG and a small part supports the PFC. For now it's David versus Goliath. But let's wait to move up to Ligue 1 and then we'll see about the derby.
Charléty, Jean Bouin, elsewhere… Where do you want to see the PFC play next season?
I have known Charlety since 2009. And I want that to continue in Charléty. Afterwards, I understand the financial issues. At Charlety, we don't have dressing rooms, for the show we are far from the field. I hope Charléty will be the future but not in the current configuration. Currently it is a multi-sport stadium, not a football stadium.
In terms of objectives, how do you want to see your club evolve?
A Ligue 1 club, we would like to reach this level. Easily stay in L1 and let the club be this famous breeding ground. May the whole world praise this region where there is a lot of talent. Talents are not well exploited. I would like the PFC to bring up young Parisians and take them as high as possible: a European Cup, a championship or even a Coupe de France, we will be very satisfied. I think 95% of supporters are happy with the arrival of the Arnault family as a new investor.
