Antoine Kombouaré Reflects on PSG Departure and Embraces Future with RC Lens
Paris — Antoine Kombouaré, former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) manager, has opened up about his time at the French club and his departure in 2011, offering a candid reflection on his managerial career and the leadership changes at PSG. Despite his dismissal, Kombouaré, who hails from New Caledonia, has never spoken ill of PSG, the club where he made a significant impact. His respect for the club and its history remains intact, and he has always understood the rationale behind the decisions made by the club’s management, even though he was ultimately let go.
Kombouaré’s tenure at PSG was a notable one. He was dismissed in December 2011 despite leading the team to a strong position in Ligue 1, with the club under new Qatari ownership. The new leadership, keen on bringing in high-profile figures to elevate PSG, opted to replace Kombouaré with former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti. Reflecting on the decision, Kombouaré shared that he fully understood the club’s desire to modernize and take the team to a higher level, given the influx of new investment and ambition. However, he admits that he would have found it difficult to accept if his position had been filled by someone less prestigious than Ancelotti.
Kombouaré explained, “When I was sacked, it was a disappointment, but it was also a relief. It had to stop. I would have been upset if they had brought in Claude Makélélé.” He acknowledged that while it was tough to leave PSG, he respected the decisions made, particularly the appointment of Ancelotti, whom he views as one of the best in the world. “Ancelotti is one of the best coaches, along with Ferguson, Guardiola, and Mourinho,” Kombouaré remarked, emphasizing the prestige and track record that came with the Italian coach’s arrival.
At the time, the Qatari owners sought a manager with a proven record in European competitions, and Ancelotti’s arrival was a pivotal moment for PSG. Under Ancelotti, PSG not only improved their fortunes in Ligue 1 but also became a more formidable presence on the European stage. For Kombouaré, this transition was a reminder of the evolving landscape of football management, where success at the highest level often requires a shift in direction, even if it means parting ways with a coach who has achieved domestic success.
Despite his PSG departure, Kombouaré holds no ill will toward the club, which he has always cherished. He remains focused on his managerial career, with his sights set on securing promotion with RC Lens. As the current manager of the Ligue 2 club, Kombouaré is in a strong position to return to Ligue 1 next season, and his medium-term future with the club seems assured, provided he can guide Lens back to France’s top tier.
Having reflected on his past at PSG, Kombouaré is now focused on the future. A successful return to Ligue 1 with Lens would be a fitting next chapter for the coach, who has always prided himself on his work ethic, discipline, and ability to connect with players. His journey in football management is far from over, and the next step could well be his most rewarding yet.
