Jackie Groenen: "We played some really great football"

The Netherlands international looks back on the 2023/24 season, which brought with it a Coupe de France triumph.

Jackie, how would you sum up the season?

"I think we improved a lot. When I think of the team that started the season, and what we accomplished and what we have become, we can see that we have improved a lot this season. We're very happy to have won the Coupe de France, but we're also frustrated not to have won more with all the finals and semi-finals we have played this season. So we're happy, but we always want more, and to improve even more."

There were a lot of things to work on early in the season…

"We had the impression of starting over at the start of the season. We knew the changes would be positive, but you always need time to adapt and to work so that the changes are as effective as possible. We could see that in September, and from January, everything was perfectly in place. We knew what the club wanted, what the coach wanted, everyone was pulling in the same direction, and it's a base from which we can work even more."

What is the biggest source of satisfaction for you this season?

"I think what I'm most proud of this season is the Coupe de France. Because the most important thing is to bring trophies to Paris. But I'm also proud that we managed to top our Champions League group, despite having started with two defeats...And also what we have shown on the pitch against Lyon every time we played them. In the Champions League, things didn't go in our favour, but we played some really great football. It's the details that make all the difference."

What was missing this season to be even more successful?

"Perhaps experience, of knowing when to deliver the final blow. And we started a new project at the start of the season whereas Lyon perhaps had more of an understanding with each other. We need more time, but I'm convinced of the quality we have here at PSG."