The Alarming First Major Setback of Paris FC

The arrival of Paris FC in Ligue 1 has created quite a buzz. Not only does it bring a second Parisian club to the top division, promising exciting local derbies, but it also signals significant financial backing from Antoine Arnault, the club’s new owner, who has partnered with Red Bull to bolster the team’s presence in French football. However, after two and a half months and 9 matches into the season, results have been mixed, and in many ways, disappointing.

While the initial goal was to secure a spot in Ligue 1 for the first season, the recent results have shown Arnault that financial investment alone won’t solve all problems or ensure the club’s stability. As often seen in football, performance on the pitch tells the true story. With just one victory in their last five matches and lackluster gameplay, coach Stéphane Gilli’s squad is struggling. They find themselves only two points above the relegation zone.

Lack of Character and Personality According to Stéphane Gilli

After a home defeat to Nantes, Gilli noted that the team lacks character and personality. “This match highlights our shortcomings this season. We lack personality and character. We struggle during set pieces and transitions. We can bring the ball to 25 meters out, but after that, we make poor decisions. We’re vulnerable every time the ball enters our box,” he stated. Despite an ambitious recruitment strategy exceeding €50 million, which included players with Ligue 1 experience like Moses Simon and Kevin Trapp, results haven’t matched expectations.

Gilli emphasized that it’s not about lack of experience but more about improving concentration. He believes the team will do better against OL in their next match: “We will be facing teams that play, which is necessary for us. We need to look everyone in the eye and keep playing. It’s only nine matches into the season; we should stop talking about inexperience. We must concentrate better. This isn’t a difficult issue to resolve, so I’m confident. We need to stay positive.” Defensively, the team must strengthen, having conceded 17 goals in 9 matches, ranking among the worst defenses in Ligue 1.

Disappointing Summer Transfer Window

Nonetheless, the string of poor results is starting to put Gilli’s position in jeopardy. While he’s not in immediate danger, the Paris FC management is beginning to question the team’s performance after five winless matches. It would be unfair to lay all the blame on the 51-year-old manager, who has played a significant role in securing the club’s promotion to Ligue 1 and transforming its image since taking over in June 2023.

The players are also accountable for the lackluster start. Although Algerian midfielder Ilan Kebbal, who has contributed 4 goals and 3 assists, is a key player for the club, the most expensive signing of the summer, Otavio (€17 million), has yet to make a significant impact, alongside many other new players brought in during this transfer window.

The Arnault Family’s Ongoing Maneuvers

The Arnault family is set on making substantial changes this September. They have started to take a more active role by removing Pierre Ferracci’s son from the sporting direction and replacing him with Marco Neppe, associated with Red Bull. Additionally, they have appointed LVMH affiliates in key positions at Paris FC, including Jean-Marc Gallot as General Director and Alexandre Battut as Administrative and Financial Director.

Will the next step involve changing the coach? We should find out more before the challenging upcoming matches against OL this Wednesday at Jean Bouin and AS Monaco at Louis II on Saturday. Following these encounters, the club’s standing in Ligue 1 and its declared ambitions will be clearer as the season approaches its one-third mark. Then it will be time for adjustments in the upcoming winter transfer market, including the potential signing of a major international star and a prominent striker.