Dive inside PSG's performance centre ahead of the UEFA Youth League semi-finals
Following the launch of Campus PSG, the youth initiative of the Parisian club, backed by key figures like Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Luis Campos and Yohan Cabaye, has reached impressive heights.
Here, high standards are the rule rather than the exception: PSG aims to benefit from enhanced collaboration between the senior side and the youth setup, following their status as the second youngest squad to claim the Champions League trophy.
It was in this context that the 'Espoirs' team emerged last year. Taking over from the previous reserve outfit, this unit connects the training academy directly to the top team.
The media, including reporters from Flashscore's French team, got an in-depth view of the setup during a full morning visit on Thursday, in a calm yet focused environment.
For context, UEFA highlighted PSG after the Champions League group stage for the efforts of its media staff, who handled the most press inquiries related to the games.
In line with that, PSG stands out as one of the rare European clubs to host a dedicated media session for its emerging talents.
At 10 am, following a tailored greeting for the attending journalists at the Campus, the young players headed to the field under the guidance of Jean-Francois Vulliez for ninety minutes of practice.
This experienced coach, who rose through Olympique Lyonnais, represents the club's push towards top-tier standards.
Highly engaged right from the start, Vulliez kept motivating his charges vocally, driving them to their fullest potential.
Shared DNA with the first team
After an initial warm-up without the ball, plus intense sprints, the coaches added engaging drills: players in sets of four aimed to score into mini goals, blending accurate skills with physical activation.
With everyone properly loosened up, the main part of the session began, showcasing the clear connection to Luis Enrique's group: a drill on passing sequences with emphasis on shots and opposed play on half the pitch, aligned with the fresh Paris approach.
The core principles? Urgency and vigour. The moment possession is turned over, the response must be swift to overwhelm the opposition, mirroring the tactics of the main team.
"What makes me most proud? Our core goal stays consistent: nurturing the talents," the trainer shared in the post-session media area.
"We achieve this via games, practices and every tool the club offers, from footage analysis to psychological support, healthcare or diet plans.
"We establish the guidelines, yet the athletes must put in the effort. We pave the route, but they decide how to travel it. A few advance rapidly, while others need more time."
To wrap up the session, every element was meticulously planned. Ahead of the Real Madrid semi-final, the team ran a complete penalty practice.
This was a meaningful yet crucial task, underscoring how success in Europe hinges on perfecting all aspects.
Working hard to create future stars
Similar to the senior players' openness before their inaugural European showpiece last year, PSG chose candour and accessibility to spotlight its prospects. This approach is yielding results for a side shifting from just acquiring celebrities to actively forging them.
And one wonders: is it tougher to train with the ball for nearly two hours or to face scrutiny in interviews, either collectively or individually with reporters?
"Considering the season's importance, we view it primarily as a trial run," Vulliez added.
"There's significant buzz and press interest, preparing them for elite exposure down the line. We guide them gently, minimising stress, allowing their abilities to shine."
Just like on the field, engaging with the media is key to a pro athlete's routine, and the expectations match those during actual play. Paris Saint-Germain understands this well.
"It's certainly different, but we are not under extra strain," Pierre Mounguengue told reporters.
"We stay dedicated to our tasks and locked in on this semi. Our aim is to etch our names in club lore. To ascend to the elite, these fixtures are essential.
"The Youth League offers superb opportunities, and excelling here is vital for first-team aspirations."