PSG’s Path to Future Success: Unveiling the Blueprint from La Real
Paris St-Germain (PSG) may be known for their glitz and glamour, but when they face Real Sociedad on Wednesday, they might just see a blueprint for their future success. According to analysis by Transfermarkt, PSG only has three academy graduates in their Champions League squad, compared to Real Sociedad’s 13, making them the team with the most academy graduates left in the competition.
The lack of homegrown talent at PSG has been a long-standing issue for the club. Despite having a local league system that boasts more players than the population of San Sebastian, where Real Sociedad is based, PSG has struggled to retain young, talented Parisians. Players like Kingsley Coman, who was once PSG’s youngest-ever player before being released to Juventus, have slipped through their grasp.
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, has become one of Europe’s top producers of talent. With stability provided by coach Imanol Alguacil, who has been in charge for almost six years, the club has seen success by winning the Copa del Rey in 2021. Their reliance on homegrown stars is born out of both financial necessity and a long-standing philosophy dictated by their club’s members.
Real Sociedad’s success in developing young players is a result of their commitment to their youth academy, known as Zubieta. Around 80% of the academy’s youngsters come from the local Gipuzkoa region, with occasional talents invited from elsewhere. This approach has allowed Real Sociedad to build the third-most valuable squad in La Liga, behind only Real Madrid and Barcelona.
In contrast, PSG has struggled to provide opportunities for their academy graduates. High-profile signings like Neymar and Lionel Messi have traditionally been favored over young talents. This lack of opportunity has led many prospects from the Greater Paris region to seek opportunities elsewhere. However, PSG is now using their financial muscle to reverse this trend by signing young Parisians like Randal Kolo Muani and Nordi Mukiele.
PSG’s recent signings of French players and their new training center show a change in the club’s sporting strategy. The first team and the academy are being brought closer together, creating a more integrated development system. PSG’s chief revenue officer, Marc Armstrong, believes that this new approach will lead to more exciting players like Warren Zaire-Emery coming through in the future.
If PSG wants to emulate Real Sociedad’s success in developing young talent, they need to embrace patience. Real Sociedad’s sporting director, Roberto Olabe, emphasizes the importance of commitment and responsibility in developing young players. He believes that patience and a focus on professional ethics are key in dealing with the world of professional football.
In conclusion, PSG has the potential to become a powerhouse in European football by following Real Sociedad’s blueprint for success. By focusing on developing homegrown talent and creating an integrated development system, PSG can ensure a bright future for the club. With the right approach and patience, PSG can achieve the European success they have craved for so long.