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Following the departure of PSG's galaxy of stars in favour of a new project, the French Ligue 1 has suffered from a lack of audience attention
Former Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain striker Nicolas Anelka has lambasted the French media for their role in what he views as the deterioration of Ligue 1’s global reputation.
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The outspoken Frenchman criticised the media's treatment of PSG’s former stars like Lionel Messi and Neymar, arguing that their exit has left the league less appealing to audiences and broadcasters alike.
Anelka blames media for Ligue 1's decline
Speaking on RMC Sport, Anelka didn’t hold back in expressing his frustrations with how the French media handled PSG’s star-studded era.
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“You criticised PSG’s stars, but now that they are gone, there are no TV rights, and it doesn’t interest anyone anymore,” he remarked, pointing to a noticeable dip in the league's global profile since the departures of big names like Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe.
The media’s relentless focus on PSG’s perceived failings, according to Anelka, played a pivotal role in driving out marquee players who brought global attention to Ligue 1.
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"Now you have a team without stars but with very good players. They’re top of the league in Ligue 1, so what are you asking for?" Anelka questioned.
PSG’s Champions League struggles buttress Anelka’s message
PSG’s ongoing struggles in the Champions League further add to the challenges facing the club’s new direction.
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Anelka pointed out that despite the squad overhaul, little has changed in terms of their ability to compete with Europe’s elite.
“Nothing has really changed,” he said, adding, “You dominate Ligue 1, then struggle against teams with quality in the Champions League.”
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Despite the criticism, Anelka remains cautiously optimistic, and believes that PSG’s Champions League campaign is far from over. "They are not yet eliminated. Anything can happen in three matches,” he concluded.
With only three games left in the Champions League group stage, PSG stand to be eliminated after only one win in their opening five games, which has left them in 25th place, outside the qualification zone.
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