I'll work as if I'm staying 15 years": Stéphane Gilli defies pressure at Paris FC

Paris FC's manager spoke at Friday's press conference about recent boardroom changes at the club. Stéphane Gilli doesn't hide the precarious nature of his situation while displaying his determination.

Gilli unfazed by boardroom changes

Asked about the numerous changes in Paris FC's organizational structure, particularly the upcoming appointment of Jean-Marc Gallot as general manager, Stéphane Gilli showed his composure: "I feed off this pressure. I'm calm, I do my job the best I can."

The Parisian manager doesn't sugarcoat the reality of football's judgment criteria: "A manager is judged on results. That won't change regardless of who the directors are."

The manager knows the rules of the game

Gilli's most striking statement concerned his vision of the future: "I'll work as if I'm staying 15 years, but I know football, I know this business. Maybe in a month, it's over."

This candor contrasts sharply with managers' usual discourse. Gilli fully accepts his profession's reality in a context where Paris FC is experiencing a major transition period with the Arnault family's gradual takeover.

Metz match as the template

The manager referenced the Metz fixture to illustrate his objectives: "When people come to the stadium, they enjoy themselves, they feel emotions. After that, you need results and points."

This approach reveals Gilli's philosophy: combining entertainment and efficiency to satisfy supporters while achieving the results necessary for his survival.

Strengthened squad ready to perform

Despite uncertainty about his future, the manager shows confidence in his group: "I know we have the capacity with the team we've built and with this squad to do great things."

An optimism justified by the club's summer transfer window, valued at around €50 million, notably including the arrivals of Kevin Trapp, Pierre Lees-Melou, Moses Simon and Willem Geubbels.

Arnault takes control gradually

These statements come in a particular context for Paris FC. Following the confirmation of Jean-Marc Gallot's appointment (CEO of Veuve Clicquot) as general manager from October 1st, and Alexandre Battut as financial director in November, the club continues its restructuring under the new owners' impetus.

Pierre Ferracci retains the presidency for now, but his departure is planned for 2027, marking the Arnault family's complete takeover of the Parisian project.

Gilli puts pressure on his directors

By stating he will "do everything to perform" and that "it's going to be tough," Gilli sends a direct message to the new directors. The manager is betting everything on future results to keep his position during this transition period.

Paris FC, currently 11th in Ligue 1 following promotion, now has the financial means to aim higher. The question remains whether Stéphane Gilli will be the man chosen to lead this ambition.

Results will decide his future

This press conference perfectly illustrates modern football's reality: managers operate in an uncertain environment where ownership changes can upend their future overnight.

Gilli fully accepts this and prefers to focus on his daily work rather than speculate about the new directors' intentions. A pragmatic approach that reflects his experience in the business.

The coming weeks will be decisive for Stéphane Gilli's future at Paris FC. His results on the pitch will determine whether he has a place in the new project backed by the Arnault family.