PSG/Real Madrid – Vulliez doesn't mince his words after exit

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·18 April 2026

PSG/Real Madrid – Vulliez doesn't mince his words after exit

Jean-François Vulliez, coach of Paris Saint-Germain’s U19 team, spoke in comments reported by Le Parisien after their elimination in the Youth League semi-final (the equivalent of the Champions League) on Friday night against Real Madrid after a penalty shootout.

Vulliez: “That’s football, we have to keep moving forward.”

“Madrid were a great team and that showed in the penalty shootout. It’s a difficult moment, but we must not forget the nine matches we played before this. We are proud of the players’ run; it’s an incredible experience that will stay with them for life. That’s football, we have to keep moving forward.”

It is obviously a difficult moment, with elimination just short of the final. Especially as PSG led for a long time, only to see Real Madrid equalize a few minutes before the final whistle. Then, the Titis took the advantage in the penalty shootout but were caught back. It is cruel, but that is also part of football. It is a major learning experience that must serve them well going forward.

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It is also important to keep in mind the great performances that made this remarkable run possible. It is a significant step forward for Paris, who have often struggled to go far in this competition. For the players, this run can also help open doors to a professional career. For some, it could even be at PSG. Even if we know that some departures are taking shape, with competition in the capital being particularly fierce.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.