Football
Jonathan Johnson, PSG correspondent 8y

Unai Emery welcomes exiled Ultras' support at PSG

Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery has called the French champions' exiled Ultras "important" and insisted that he wants supporters with "feelings" to connect with his team during his tenure.

The Spaniard was given a taste of the fanatical side of the Ligue 1 giants' supporters when he was unveiled at Parc des Princes earlier this summer and greeted by a festival of colour and noise.

Emery got to see PSG's Ultras up close again on Friday as they staged a demonstration outside of the capital club's Camp des Loges training centre and chanted "freedom for the Ultras" as they seek a return to their spiritual home after years of exile.

"The fans are important," Emery said when questioned on the matter in his news conference ahead of Sunday's clash at Monaco. "[This matter] is important. However, there must be lots of communication and respect in order to generate enthusiasm.

"It must come from the heart. Feelings, the most important thing in football is the feelings that it creates! I want people who love PSG to give me this feeling.

"I want to feel this and I want the players to get this energy from the supporters. It is the best thing for the team."

PSG's infamous Ultras have been banned from Parc des Princes since before the arrival of owners Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), but president Nasser Al Khelaifi has hinted on multiple occasions recently that he would be open to allowing them back inside as he seeks an atmosphere worthy of the team assembled under his leadership.

The Ultras have been absent for Les Parisiens' ascent towards the pinnacle of the European game and the French capital outfit are no longer perennial underachievers but one of the continent's major powers.

Not only do QSI expect a lot from their lavishly assembled squad, but the supporters who are allowed inside Parc des Princes are also difficult to please.

"Expectations are greater here," Emery said. "Even if every club wants to win. Here, we want to become Europe's top side. It is another ambition. It motivates me and fills me with enthusiasm.

"PSG have even prepared for the future with the construction of a brand new training centre. I am very motivated for what lies ahead."

Emery won the Europa League three successive times with Sevilla, but he said there was little difference in guiding PSG toward their main objective in the Champions League this season.

"It is the same," he said. "We play three matches per week and often against big clubs.

"I have experienced both competitions. The Champions League brings together the best teams in the world and they all want to win. It is good to take these competitions one step at a time, to walk before you can run.

"Our objective is clear, to finish first in our group. Arsenal, Basel and Ludogorets, if they are there, hen it is because they deserve to be."

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