PSG focused on Mbappe future after consolation prize of Ligue 1 title

Paris Saint-Germain’s French forward Kylian Mbappe looks on ahead of the French L1 football match between Paris-Saint Germain (PSG) and Lens (RCL) at The Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on April 23, 2022. (Photo by bERTRAND GUAY / AFP)

Paris Saint-Germain has equalled the French record by winning their 10th league title, moving level with the mark established by the Saint-Etienne team of Michel Platini, but rarely has such a historic achievement in football felt like such an anti-climax.

That is partly because the championship was effectively decided after PSG won their first eight games to sit nine points clear by the end of September.

It is also because domestic success no longer carries the same weight for the capital club, who did not sign Lionel Messi, or turn down 180 million euros ($195m) from Real Madrid for Kylian Mbappe in the final year of his contract, just to reclaim the Ligue 1 crown from Lille.

The Qatar-owned club only really have eyes for the Champions League, and their collapse in losing to Madrid in the last 16 has made it a long end to the season.

“Winning the Champions League is a fundamental objective for Paris Saint-Germain so it will always be a big disappointment if we don’t win it,” admitted coach Mauricio Pochettino this week.

The European exit has stoked anger among supporters, who greeted last weekend’s key win over bitter rivals Marseille with indifference.

The ‘ultras’, the club’s most vociferous fans, recently decided to stay silent to express unhappiness at what they perceive to be an underperforming side and at the club’s management.

Even before the Champions League exit, supporters held up banners to protest against the “overpaid mercenaries” in the team and to call for sporting director