Paris City Hall, which owns the Parc des Princes, “leaves us no choice” to leave the stadium, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi said on Thursday, wanting to “build as quickly as possible” a new enclosure.
“I really like the Park, everyone loves it. If I listen to my heart, we won’t leave. But everyone in Europe has stadiums with 80,000, 90,000 seats… We need them, otherwise we are dead,” the Qatari leader declared on RMC radio on the occasion of the official inauguration of the Poissy (Yvelines) training stadium. “We are in France, but also in Europe. The city leaves us no choice,” he insisted, even though the park has a capacity of 48,000 seats.
“I don’t do politics. For us we need a stadium ready in 3-4 years, we don’t have time to waste otherwise we are behind other clubs in Europe. We must build as quickly as possible”, argued the PSG president, evoking “some options”.
Luis Enrique does not risk elimination in the Champions League
Among these hypotheses for the construction of an enclosure with around 60,000 seats is the site of the Saint-Cloud and Montigny-le-Bretonneux (Yvelines) racecourse, according to a source close to the matter, who added that the city of Aulnay sous -Bois has always been interested in hosting the future stadium. The club is expected to decide by the end of the first half of 2025, the source says.
Already last February the “NAK” had announced that the departure of the Parc des Princes, which the municipality had refused to sell, was now inevitable for its club.
On a sporting level, the president of the Parisian club reiterated his full support for coach Luis Enrique who would not feel threatened in the event of early elimination from the Champions League. “We won’t change anything. Whether we go out or win is exactly the same thing. I said it, we have a lot of confidence in our coach. He does a great job with Luis Campos. Will they extend it? I have faith, yes, that’s what we want,” he said.
According to our information, Luis Enrique, whose contract expires at the end of the season, will extend his contract with Paris for another two years, until 2027.
What challenges does PSG face in building a new stadium in Paris?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Nasser Al-Khelaïfi: The Future of PSG’s Stadium
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Mr. Al-Khelaïfi. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Let’s dive right in. You’ve recently announced PSG’s need for a new stadium. Can you elaborate on the reasons behind this decision?
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi: Good morning, and thank you for having me. Yes, it is a crucial topic for us. While we all love the Parc des Princes, we face a significant challenge with its current capacity of 48,000 seats. In comparison, many of our European competitors are filling stadiums that hold 80,000 or 90,000. To remain competitive and successful, especially in the Champions League, we need a venue that matches that scale.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like you’re in a difficult position with the city. You mentioned that Paris City Hall “leaves us no choice.” What exactly does that mean for PSG and your plans?
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi: The reality is that the city’s constraints on the Parc des Princes limit our expansion possibilities. We’ve explored many options, but we are left with the choice to build a new stadium if we want to grow and meet the demands of our fans and the club’s aspirations. We believe we need a stadium ready in the next 3-4 years. It’s essential for our future.
Time.news Editor: Your determination is clear. But is there a specific vision for this new stadium? What will it offer that the Parc des Princes does not?
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi: Absolutely! Our vision for the new stadium includes a larger capacity and modern facilities that can enhance the match-day experience for our fans. We want to incorporate cutting-edge technology, improved hospitality options, and a design that reflects the rich culture of Paris. It should not only be a football ground but also a venue for various events that will engage the community.
Time.news Editor: Transitioning from a beloved historical stadium to a new venue does come with risks. How do you intend to ensure fan loyalty during this transition?
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi: That’s a critical point. We understand the emotional attachment fans have to the Parc des Princes. It’s a home filled with memories. We aim to keep them informed and involved throughout the process. Our fans are our most valuable asset, and we want to ensure they feel part of this journey. We’re also looking at ways to honor the history of the Parc in the new design.
Time.news Editor: It’s a delicate balance, for sure. Shifting gears a bit—how do you see the broader landscape of football evolving in terms of stadium experiences for fans?
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi: Football is transforming rapidly. Fans today seek an experience that goes beyond just watching a game; they want entertainment, comfort, and community. The stadium of the future will need to reflect that shift, providing a multifaceted experience that engages fans in different ways, whether through digital interactions, food and beverage options, or spaces for socializing before and after matches.
Time.news Editor: That really sets the stage for a new era in fan engagement. You mentioned having “some options” regarding the new stadium. Can you share any details about potential locations or partners in this project?
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi: We are exploring several possibilities within and around Paris, but it’s still very early to disclose specifics. We are in discussions with various stakeholders and need to ensure that any chosen site makes sense both logistically and for our fan base. Our goal is to find a location that resonates with the spirit of PSG.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for that insight, Mr. Al-Khelaïfi. This conversation has been quite revealing about your vision for the future of PSG. As a parting thought, what would you like to say to the fans who cherish the Parc des Princes?
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi: I would say that we are deeply committed to honoring the legacy of the Parc des Princes while also pushing the club into a new era. We want to build something that not only meets our needs as a competitive club but also embodies the passion of our fans. Our journey is just beginning, and we want everyone to be a part of it.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mr. Al-Khelaïfi. We appreciate your time and insights. We look forward to seeing how PSG evolves in the coming years.
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
