Standing in front of the main entrance to the Parc des Princes, Isaac Kimpembe tenderly hugs his son. This Monday, the day after PSG’s defeat in the Champions League final, the father of the world champion welcomed the team in the company of other close friends of the players. The opportunity for him to take a privileged look at the European course of PSG and the scenario of the match against Bayern. How did you experience this final and this defeat of your son in the final?
ISAAC KIMPEMBE. Not like something terrible. It was normal. I knew from the start of the match that the first to score was going to win. Presnel and PSG have had a good run. Getting to the final was already great. And made him a decent match.
Did you feel the spirit that united the team?
Yes. This year, they really made a real group. They did not play personal. Before, everyone wanted to score. This year, the forwards gave the balls to whoever could score the goal. It was like the spirit of a small club. They said to each other “We go together to win”.
Did you find the words to comfort your son?
Presnel has a strong mind. We had spoken before the game. After that I didn’t call him, I left him alone. He is going to rest. Whatever the defeat, he takes it well. He is sad for a while but it ends up passing.
Do you find it in progress?
He always wants to do well. Especially in the great moments when we see that he is present. The more it grows, the more energy and strength it takes to fight.
You know Kingsley Coman very well, who was trained at PSG with your son. Was it painful to see him score Bayern’s winning goal?
Not at all, I was even happy for him. He is a little one who had a lot of problems and injuries. He’s Presnel’s best friend. I always call her ” my son “. I often ask his father about it, I tell him: you look after my son ! When they were little they looked alike and I was often asked if he was also my son (laughs). But he’s a professional, he has to score for his club. He can’t think he isn’t going to score because he grew up and trained at PSG. He had the right to score.
Are you proud of Presnel?
I have always been proud of my son. He always did what he wanted. He managed to take the team to this level. They passed very close. I encourage them to go this far again next season in the Champions League. Are they going to win it? I believe.
