Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco on Similar Paths but Different Destinations

The word project has become almost an integral part of football over the past 10 years. Clubs need to have a plan, a goal and a means in which to reach their targets. New ownership or large investment usually launches a club in a new direction. Paris Saint-Germain started their current path back in 2011, with Monaco following suit in 2013.

Both have had varying degrees of success, mixed with both ups and downs. Monaco tried to follow PSG’s example but are now going their own way. It may not be as flashy or exciting, but it looks like it could be just as effective in the long term.

Measuring projects on results and trophies is the easiest, most simplistic way, but with only three domestic trophies and the much more challenging European competitions, not picking up silverware doesn’t mean you have failed.

Under Qatari ownership PSG has won two Ligue 1 titles and the Coupe de la Ligue, plus they have twice reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Monaco starting down in Ligue 2 has gained promotion, finished second in Ligue 1 and are now on the verge of qualifying for the quarter-finals of Europe’s most prestigious tournament.

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Success was expected from PSG, but for Monaco to climb so high, so quickly, is a remarkable achievement.

There has been turmoil along the way. Leonardo Jardim is the third coach to guide Les Monegasque since Dmitry Rybolovlev bought the Cote d’Azur club, the same number of appointments that PSG has made under Qatar Sports Investment. Both were quick to relieve the existing coach of his duties, but the lack of stability shows the thirst for instant success that new owners almost want guaranteed.

The hope for Monaco is that Leonardo Jardim is set for a long-term appointment, the pressure on his shoulders is much less than what Laurent Blanc is currently facing in the capital. The former France boss must continue to make strides in the Champions League, while also dominating the domestic game.

In contrast, Jardim’s remit is just to strive for European football and continue to develop his young team—Champions League qualification this season would be a huge bonus.

There is a very realistic possibility that next season PSG will move on to their fourth coach under QSI, and once again the project would take a step back, looking to make a leap forward. The World Cup winner has been under pressure ever since he took over from Carlo Ancelotti, and this season’s failings could be the last straw.

Even if PSG manage to overturn Lyon’s lead at the top, the style of football and the manner in which they have dropped points does not show the type of progress that QSI would expect on their investment.

This is not to say that it is all Blanc’s fault. Players underperforming and dressing room unrest is doing its best to undermine his position, but it will always be the coach that falls on the sword first.

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After a poor start to this season, Jardim is on the opposite side of the spectrum. The players have bought into the Portuguese coach’s philosophy, they are all on the same wavelength and no matter who plays or what position they are asked to cover, they all know their role and play first for the team.

Blanc can only dream of the same harmony in Paris, but no matter who is in charge, they face an almost impossible task to keep everyone happy.

PSG will always be the favourites as long as they have £50 million to spend on average centre-backs. They have the money to throw at any problem and will always have the ability to attract the best players.

Monaco are not expected to win the league, and after the initial outlay on Radamel Falcao, Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez, the spending has been subdued, looking more at buying and developing young players. PSG don’t have this luxury.

The projects are compared because of Monaco’s resurgence last season, but now they are two completely different clubs on much different paths. PSG want to be one of Europe’s elite teams but don’t seem to have the long-term vision to make it happen.

Monaco, on the other hand, just want to be one of the best clubs in Ligue 1. Jardim and Rybolovlev are going the right way about that. They have the money to outspend the rest of the league and the foresight to develop young players, which will be key to their success.