2022, a land of promise

2021 will go down as a unique year. Not just for France, but for the whole of Europe and the rest of the world. It was a watershed year, coming after 2020 introduced the pandemic into our lives and giving way to 2022, with its promise of hope for everyone.

It was a pivotal year on the football pitch as well. A year full of twists and turns, offering plentiful highs and thrills across Europe's stadiums but also lows and the inevitable disappointments of sport. Above all, however, it was a year marked by reunions.

Firstly, there was the reunion with our supporters, who bring passion and create atmosphere wherever they go. The previous year had proved difficult at home, with results echoing around an empty, emotionless stadium, but the Parc des Princes soon tasted victory as the seats began to reverberate again with the Rouge et Bleu fervour brought by their temporary owners.

This season, Paris Saint-Germain have not lost a single game at home. Better yet, that unbeaten record makes the club unique on the European stage. Spurred on by the backing of the fans, Paris have regained form, prompting hopes that 2022 will also bring a reunion with the Ligue 1 crown. Indeed, the capital club start the new year having already secured the unofficial title of winter champions, thanks to a comfortable lead at the top of the table. The first brick has been laid in an edifice that needs to be rebuilt, with everyone working together.

The year 2021 brought another reunion too, with Mauricio Pochettino returning to the fold in January. Two decades after wearing the captain's armband, the Argentinian rejoined Paris as head coach, beginning a new role that involved juggling management of the team, the challenges of a public health crisis, and the task of rebuilding the squad to start this season with fresh energy. Notably, that effort has brought rising stars and history-makers to the club, including a seven-time Ballon d'Or winner and a goalkeeper awarded the Yashin Trophy.

Behind the scenes, Mauricio Pochettino has had to mix these new ingredients to create a mouth-watering menu, with three different competitions to relish in 2022. Each of them is a dish that promises surprises, requiring the team to remain hungry until the very last bite. Just as well, then, that the club now boasts a new strength of character, judging by the recent glut of late goals, last-gasp wins and remarkable turnarounds. In Paris, nobody leaves the table before dinner is over.  

Rest assured, too, that 2021 was just an appetiser. The main course will begin when the first buds appear in the soil, because the City of Lights saves its grandest feasts for spring. The taste of high-profile showdowns will soon be served up to every gourmet of the game.

That is what 2022 has in store, with its promise of nights to be savoured forever, when anything can happen. So, yes, 2021 was a pivotal year, littered with successes and difficulties – for both the club and the wider world. And while nothing has been achieved yet, we can be sure of one thing: after the various reunions, the challenge now is for everyone to unite and ensure we experience a wonderful year together. Because, above everything else, our strength remains our ability to live, breathe and sing our hearts out for our colours. Rouge et Bleu.