Bayern Munich supervisory board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has acknowledged Paris Saint-Germain's arrival among European football's elite, marking a significant shift in tone ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash. In an interview with T-Online, the former Bayern CEO offered a mix of praise for PSG president Nasser al-Khelaïfi and a historical jab, stating the French club "did not exist" before Qatar Sports Investments' 2011 takeover, while conceding its current importance.
Rummenigge's comments represent a notable departure from his previous critiques of PSG and Manchester City as financially disruptive forces. In 2017, he described PSG as a "newborn in the Champions League" compared to Bayern as the "old club," and previously criticized their "crazy salaries." The evolution in his stance follows PSG's journey to the 2020 Champions League final, where they lost to Bayern, and their subsequent consolidation under Luis Enrique.
According to quotes published by Le Figaro, Rummenigge now believes PSG plays "a very important role in Europe today" due to its shareholder investment and Al-Khelaïfi's work. He suggested France should be proud of the club, arguing that its spending, while often criticized, has ultimately benefited Ligue 1 and French football. This recognition from a prominent figure at a traditional European powerhouse signals a form of legitimacy for the Qatari-backed project.
The warming relations between the two clubs contrast with the historical tension between Europe's established aristocracy and state-backed newcomers. Similar softening has been observed elsewhere, such as with La Liga president Javier Tebas, who frequently criticized PSG before moderating his tone in recent years. PSG's sustained domestic success and deeper European runs have gradually altered perceptions.
Rummenigge recalled advising a dejected Al-Khelaïfi after the 2020 final to be patient, emphasizing that "in football, nothing is acquired." He stressed the need to "win through hard work" and make "smart transfers," noting that "not everything depends on money." He highlighted the importance of squad spirit in gaining the marginal advantages needed to win the trophy, a lesson PSG has embodied in its recent campaigns.
The upcoming two-legged semi-final will test this newfound respect, with the outcome potentially influencing the long-term narrative between the clubs. For now, Rummenigge's comments reflect a broader acceptance of PSG's place at the top table, a status hard-earned through both investment and on-pitch results over the past decade.
