Marseille's PSG Supporters Navigate Mixed Emotions Ahead of Champions League Final
Ahead of a pivotal match for Paris Saint-Germain, fans in Marseille experience a blend of hope and trepidation.
As Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) approaches a chance to clinch their first UEFA Champions League title, the club's supporters residing in Marseille find themselves torn between anticipation and the complexities of their location.
On May 31, if PSG triumphs over Inter Milan in Munich, they will join Olympique de Marseille in the prestigious tournament's history, having won the title themselves in 1993.
In a city synonymous with fervent football loyalties, the spirit of rivalry is palpable.
Fans such as Sacha Lucas and Maxime Bernard, both in their 30s and living in Marseille for several years, regularly frequent a local restaurant near the Vieux-Port, where they have developed a rapport with the chef.
However, their allegiance to PSG often invites playful jabs from the locals.
Upon ordering, a waiter relayed a light-hearted message: 'The boss has a message for you: Go OM!' This playful banter underscores the intense regional rivalry, which fundamentally colors the football culture in France.
Sacha, an emergency doctor, recalls his experiences, stating that he often refrains from discussing football in public due to the staunch loyalty of local supporters towards OM. Maxime, a pharmacist who moved to Marseille in 2020, echoed these sentiments, noting conversations about football can lead to contentious exchanges.
The potential for PSG's ascendance in European football has already stirred reactions among local media.
Journalists at La Provence, a Marseille daily, have contemplated potential headlines in the event of a PSG victory, including a mockery of the phrase widely embraced by OM fans: 'Forever the First.' This framing illustrates the enduring pride among Marseille supporters, as they view their historical achievements as unique in the context of French football.
As anticipation builds for the Champions League final, the situation serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between local rivalries and national successes in football, demonstrating how loyalties can transcend club boundaries but remain fundamentally rooted in regional identities.
On May 31, if PSG triumphs over Inter Milan in Munich, they will join Olympique de Marseille in the prestigious tournament's history, having won the title themselves in 1993.
In a city synonymous with fervent football loyalties, the spirit of rivalry is palpable.
Fans such as Sacha Lucas and Maxime Bernard, both in their 30s and living in Marseille for several years, regularly frequent a local restaurant near the Vieux-Port, where they have developed a rapport with the chef.
However, their allegiance to PSG often invites playful jabs from the locals.
Upon ordering, a waiter relayed a light-hearted message: 'The boss has a message for you: Go OM!' This playful banter underscores the intense regional rivalry, which fundamentally colors the football culture in France.
Sacha, an emergency doctor, recalls his experiences, stating that he often refrains from discussing football in public due to the staunch loyalty of local supporters towards OM. Maxime, a pharmacist who moved to Marseille in 2020, echoed these sentiments, noting conversations about football can lead to contentious exchanges.
The potential for PSG's ascendance in European football has already stirred reactions among local media.
Journalists at La Provence, a Marseille daily, have contemplated potential headlines in the event of a PSG victory, including a mockery of the phrase widely embraced by OM fans: 'Forever the First.' This framing illustrates the enduring pride among Marseille supporters, as they view their historical achievements as unique in the context of French football.
As anticipation builds for the Champions League final, the situation serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between local rivalries and national successes in football, demonstrating how loyalties can transcend club boundaries but remain fundamentally rooted in regional identities.
