Football
ESPN staff 8y

Laurent Blanc hails PSG withstanding pressure to earn cup glory

Paris Saint-Germain put in a top performance under pressure to win the Coupe de la Ligue, manager Laurent Blanc said after Saturday's 2-1 win.

A second yellow card to Adrien Rabiot in the 70th minute with the game level had PSG on the ropes, but they responded with Angel Di Maria's winner just four minutes later to win the cup for a third straight season.

"Even with 10 men my players wanted to win," the coach told France 2. "That may be the best the team has withstood pressure to win."

PSG have now won two trophies toward a domestic Treble, having already run away with the Ligue 1 title. They are still to face Marseille in the Coupe de France final next month to complete their quest.

The French giants had been hoping for even more this season but crashed out of the Champions League in the quarterfinals against Manchester City, but Blanc said the one failure should not put a damper on the entire season.

"Many have trouble thinking that a season is a championship, cups and the Champions League," Blanc said. "But when we do not reach a goal, the season is not over. We can still make a good season.

"I hope the players will still be focused and motivated for the coming weeks."

Blanc will not have to be concerned for his future after club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said after the game that he would remain in charge of PSG next season.

"[Blanc's contract] was extended for two years, he will stay with us next year," Al-Khelaifi said following the cup win. "When we lose, we lose, it is a collective responsibility."

The president said the league cup will help PSG put the Champions League behind them.

"It was very important for us to win the Coupe de la Ligue after our elimination against Manchester City," he said. "These last two weeks have been very difficult. This award will allow us to breathe."

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