Nicolas Anelka defends Qatari involvement in Ligue 1, stating that their departure would harm French football. He highlights PSG’s dominance since 2011, their achievements in domestic and European competitions, and the significance of financial investments in maintaining competitive status. Anelka compares current club influences with historical leadership examples.
Nicolas Anelka, a former striker for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), expressed his defense of Qatari investment in Ligue 1, emphasizing the substantial positive impact such involvement brings to French football. He conveyed, “If Qatar decides to leave, it would be very bad for the French league, which is already in trouble,” as stated in an interview with RMC Sport.
Anelka highlighted the dominance PSG has exhibited in French football since Qatar Sports Investments took control in 2011, including winning 10 Ligue 1 titles and other domestic trophies. He noted their historical UEFA Champions League performances, reaching the final in 2020 and the semi-finals thrice, with the team currently progressing to the quarter-finals.
The former Euro 2000 champion acknowledged the significant financial investments made by PSG, such as their new training facility. He remarked on the power wielded by club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, suggesting that it is natural for rival teams to feel concerned about his influence, given PSG’s substantial budget.
Anelka also drew parallels between Al-Khelaifi’s influence at PSG and that of past football administrators, such as Jean-Michel Aulas during his tenure at Olympique Lyonnais and Bernard Tapie at Olympique de Marseille. Both Aulas and Tapie succeeded in elevating their respective clubs to considerable prominence in French football, showcasing the cyclical nature of power within the league.
In conclusion, Nicolas Anelka firmly advocates for the contributions of Qatari investment in Ligue 1, asserting that without it, the league would struggle significantly. He compares current leadership models with past successful administrations, thereby emphasizing the importance of financial backing in achieving competitive excellence.
Original Source: www.getfootballnewsfrance.com
