Paris FC are doing everything right to challenge PSG's hegemony in France

"Paris is Magic, reads the slogan inside the Paris Saint-Germain stadium. Those three words reflect the monopoly that PSG have held in the capital in recent decades. PSG is Paris; Paris is PSG. But for how much longer? There is no such slogan pasted atop the Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris FC's new home, where they swatted aside Lorient 2-0 on Friday, a result that has taken them up to eighth in Ligue 1."

"What is taking hold at Paris FC is less of a Great Leap Forward and more of a Cultural Revolution as the Arnault family, who bought the club at the end of last year, place their pawns and mould the club in their image. Despite their newfound wealth, change will be incremental at Paris FC. The cart is not being put before the horse, as it was by Saint-Etienne last year. They also made the step up from Ligue 2 with money to spend."

"We have to be careful during the next few years, says Paris FC president Pierre Ferracci, who remains in his post after the takeover. We need to establish ourselves in Ligue 1 and avoid any false steps; that is why we are going to recruit experienced players. That isn't the long-term plan for Paris FC, who have been inspired by Barcelona's academy system and wish to replicate it, with the help of minority shareholders Red Bull,"

Paris FC has begun a gradual transformation under the Arnault family following their recent takeover, aiming to reshape the club's structure and identity. Change will be incremental, prioritising establishment in Ligue 1 and recruitment of experienced players to avoid immediate relegation risks. The club plans a long-term academy model inspired by Barcelona, leveraging the Ile-de-France talent pool with minority partner Red Bull. Marco Neppe has been appointed sporting director, replacing Francois Ferracci, signalling professionalisation of sporting operations. Recent results, including a 2-0 win over Lorient that moved Paris FC to eighth, indicate early sporting progress amid institutional restructuring.

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