Football
Jonathan Johnson, PSG correspondent 6y

PSG's Al-Khelaifi pleased with Ligue 1 title, but 'big goal' is Champions League

PARIS -- In the wake of his latest Ligue 1 title, Paris Saint-Germain chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi has made clear the Champions League is still his side's ultimate goal, while also strongly suggesting that coach Unai Emery could be replaced when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Speaking after PSG clinched a seventh Ligue 1 title with a 7-1 thrashing of second-placed Monaco at Parc des Princes, the Qatari denied having Thomas Tuchel lined up as the Spaniard's replacement.

"When we have signed a contract with somebody, we will make an announcement," said Al-Khelaifi to Canal+. "For the moment, nothing has been done -- nothing has been signed.

"Currently, we have a coach. We won 7-1 with him and he has a contract until the end of the season.

"We have done a lot of positive things this season. We are champion for the seventh time, the fifth for me. It's really something beautiful, thank you to everyone. Of course, everyone knows, our big goal is the Champions League. But today we are very proud and happy with this title."

Emery was happy with PSG's win over Monaco and the title success, which is his first league crown as a coach, but hinted that there is no guarantee that he will remain in charge of the squad past the end of the season.

"Moving forward, the club's logo and supporters will remain," Emery said. "Everybody else is just passing through. For me, I am happy with my personal project.

"Away at Saint-Etienne last week, it was our worst first half of the campaign. Then, at 10 against 11, we responded. That is the sign of great collective strength. That is why I believe in this team -- with or without me."

PSG defender Marquinhos praised Emery for his work with the group this season and the Brazil international revealed his delight at his fourth Ligue 1 title.

"The coach got us to work, gave us a good philosophy and style of play, making us more attacking -- it has been a good season," said Marquinhos. "A title is always a beautiful thing, it is part of the story. When our careers are over, these are the things that we will remember."

Club captain Thiago Silva also backed Emery.

"I am his captain, and even if I thought to the contrary, I could not say: 'I want him to go,'" he said. "I am always honest. Especially about the work that we have done together. I have always had his confidence in the same way that we, the players, have always trusted the staff."

Javier Pastore could not remember that he has played a role in all five of PSG's Ligue 1 titles in the Qatari era and admitted that he is no longer keeping track but suggested that this one could be his last one with the French giants.

"Honestly, I do not know -- I no longer count," the Argentina international said. "I will do that when I leave. We will see what happens.

"Honestly, I do not know. We still need to speak with the club. It is normal after having spent many years at the club. The club has huge ambitions and is looking for new players, big talents. I am calm and just trying to do my best."

Monaco's vice president Vadim Vasilyev branded the 7-1 loss "a catastrophic scenario" and criticised the players for their no-show on the pitch.

"PSG won the title in spectacular fashion," said the Russian. "They are deserving champions. The only ones who were up to the task, for us, were the supporters -- I thank them.

"What to say? This was a knockdown, but not a knockout."

Meanwhile, coach Leonardo Jardim called the performance "very poor" and "nightmarish" and the club have confirmed their intention to reimburse every single travelling fan after such an unacceptable display.

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