Paris Saint-Germain destroy Monaco 7-1 to clinch Ligue 1 title but Qatari owners demand Champions League success
Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi reiterated PSG’s desire to lift the Champions League title in a statement that appeared to suck the life out of their domestic success
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Paris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi reiterated the Champions League remained the club's major goal after a stunning 7-1 win over Monaco saw them reclaim the Ligue 1 title from their rivals.
PSG were relentless as they pulled their closest rivals apart, Giovani Lo Celso and Angel Di Maria each scoring twice, Edinson Cavani and Julian Draxler also on target and Radamel Falcao involved with an own-goal.
It was a glorious display which established an unassailable 17-point lead at the summit but the man who has overseen it from the technical area, Unai Emery, is still likely to depart at the end of the season.
Emery looks set to pay the price for failing to advance the club's European ambitions, a fact effectively acknowledged on the night as Al-Khelaifi took in the moment.
Asked about rumours linking Thomas Tuchel with the post, the Qatari businessman told Canal Plus: "When we have signed with someone, we will announce it. For now, we have not done anything.
"We have a coach today. We won 7-1 with him. He has a contract until the end of the season.
"We have done a lot of positive things this season. We are champion for the seventh time, the fifth for me. It's really something beautiful, thank you to everyone. Of course, everyone knows, our big goal is the Champions League. But today we are very proud and happy with this title."
If that appeared to suck some of the life out of a celebratory night at the Parc des Princes, the enthusiasm was in plentiful supply in the dressing room.
Captain Thiago Silva told the channel: "We go into the history books of the club, it's an incredible moment.
"We know the capacity of this team. Elimination in the Champions League? It happens like that, it's football. That hurt us, but we continued to work. Even though it was a difficult time, we managed to have a good season."
Defender Thomas Meunier added: "It was important to win, especially the way we did. Winning 7-1 against the second team is something incredible. It reflects PSG this season. We were faultless and I hope it will continue."
Striker Kylian Mbappe was an unused substitute on the night, against the side he helped fire to the title last season before a big-money switch.
Asked about his back-to-back triumphs the 19-year-old said: "My two titles? That's good, you have to continue to enjoy it, because maybe one day there will not be any more."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments