Leonardo's comments highlight a shift in PSG's philosophy towards a more sustainable team-building approach.
His criticism of the Mbappé extension reflects growing concerns about the impact of star players on club dynamics.
The potential takeover of Paris FC by the Arnault family could signify a new era for French football, with implications for PSG.
PSG may continue to focus on developing younger talent rather than relying on star players.
The Arnault family's involvement in Paris FC could lead to increased investment and competition in Ligue 1.
Leonardo may take on a different role within football that allows him to influence the sport without being directly tied to a single club.
Leonardo's Perspective on PSG's Direction
Leonardo, the former sporting director of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), recently shared his insights on the club's evolution and his past decisions regarding star player Kylian Mbappé. In an interview with Le Figaro, he expressed his approval of the club's current strategy under coach Luis Enrique, which focuses more on collective play rather than star power. He emphasized the importance of building a team around a philosophy rather than individual players, stating, "No one should be above everything. Especially not the institution and the club." This reflects his belief that the club's identity should not be compromised by any single player's presence.
The Controversial Mbappé Contract Extension
Leonardo revealed that he was against Mbappé's contract extension in 2022, arguing that the club should have sold him when Real Madrid made an offer at the end of the 2020-2021 season. He criticized the idea of concentrating significant resources on one player, suggesting that such an approach is unsustainable. "What great institution has collapsed by losing a player? None," he stated, reinforcing his view that clubs can recover from losing key talents.
Future Developments in French Football
Looking ahead, Leonardo commented on the potential takeover of Paris FC by the Arnault family, owners of LVMH. He believes this could be beneficial for French football and PSG, describing the project as "colossal." While he remains connected to PSG through personal relationships, he clarified that he does not foresee himself returning to a coaching or sports director role, indicating his desire to stay involved in football in a different capacity.
