Budapest was barely settling into the aftermath of another European final when Luis Campos was already looking beyond it. Paris Saint-Germain’s sporting adviser has set a third straight Champions League crown as the club’s next target after two consecutive triumphs.
The move
Campos said the message was delivered in the immediate aftermath of PSG’s latest final victory, a 1-1 draw against Arsenal settled by a 4-3 penalty shoot-out on 30 May.
Reflecting on the occasion, he described the club’s two European titles as unforgettable moments for everyone at PSG. Yet his focus had quickly shifted towards extending the run. Campos recalled being in Budapest at the end of the Arsenal match and telling those around him that, after winning twice in succession, Paris had to start pursuing a third.
The Portuguese executive believes PSG’s prospects rest on preserving the mentality that carried them to the previous two titles. He said he can still feel the squad’s hunger, as well as its willingness to work together and put the team before individual interests.
Campos said that spirit gives Paris a legitimate chance of retaining the trophy again, even if he stopped short of guaranteeing another success. His view is that PSG will remain among the leading contenders.
Figures Campos highlighted
- Luis Enrique, whom Campos believes is continuing to develop at an exceptional level.
- Joao Neves, described as a stronger player than before.
- Vitinha, also seen by Campos as having progressed.
- Marquinhos, who remains PSG’s leading captain in Campos’ assessment.
- Nasser al-Khelaifi, praised for trusting Campos and allowing him to work while remaining involved at every stage.
Campos credited Al-Khelaifi with giving him the confidence and freedom to carry out his role. He said he has kept the president informed throughout the process, with Al-Khelaifi providing his own input along the way.
The French season around it
PSG have begun their European campaign emphatically, beating Slovan Bratislava 6-1. Their early momentum will be tested quickly by two major October fixtures: Manchester City visit the schedule on 14 October, followed by Barcelona on 20 October.
For Campos, those games will offer an early measure of whether the champions can turn the ambition voiced in Budapest into another sustained European chase.
