‘If it’s the Champions League, that would be incredible – Paris FC’s Maxime Lopez sets sights on European qualification

Paris FC had an underwhelming opening day to the Ligue 1 season, drawing 0-0 away to newly promoted ESTAC Troyes. However, they have won their last two, scoring three goals in each, beating OGC Nice (3-0) and then, more impressively, Olympique de Marseille at the Vélodrome on Sunday (2-3).

Last season, the club, in their first season back in the top-flight, never really flirted with relegation, even if their decision to sack Stéphane Gilli midseason was motivated by these fears. Now, Les Parisiens are very much looking up the table. Backed by the Arnault family, they are bestowed with more means than many of the clubs in contention for European places this season. And in Liam Rosenior, they have a manager who already has experience of qualifying a team for Europe, having done just that with RC Strasbourg Alsace.

Currently second in Ligue 1, Paris FC are ambitious, and there is reason to be. “The objective this season is to qualify for Europe,” Maxime Lopez told RMC Sportshow Rothen S’Enflamme. “If it is the Champions League, that would be incredible. But if it were the Europa League or the Europa Conference League, we wouldn’t turn our noses up at it,” added the PFC playmaker. Early days but there is promise at the Stade Jean Bouin.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle