L Equipe: Conflicts broke out in the management of the Paris youth training camp, and many key figures resigned or took leave

L'Equipe reported that conflicts within the Paris Saint-Germain youth training camp were frequent and many key figures resigned.

The Paris Saint-Germain youth academy has trained more than 110 players in the five major European leagues. This fall, nearly 20 players have been selected for the French national teams at all levels, from U16 to the adult team. A number of young players have burst onto the scene in the European champions' first-team squad in recent months, a sign of how well the PSG academy has done over the past decade in recruiting and developing young players to reach the highest level.

However, behind this impressive result, the atmosphere within the club was tense, and the normal operation of the Posey Training Center was affected by the conflict. Barford Diakhaby, who is in charge of the reserves, has been on medical leave for several weeks due to a difficult experience last season. He did not have a harmonious relationship with training center director and former midfielder Yoan Cabaye. Cabaye also fell out with head of youth recruitment Pierre Reno.

As a former player of the club, Leno is an important figure in the Paris youth training. Over the past two decades, he has signed international players such as Kingsley Coman, Christopher Nkunku, Mike Maignan, Warren Zaire Emery, Adrien Rabiot and Alphonse Areola for the team. Renault is also currently on medical leave. Another well-known scout, Dominique Flemand, also left the club this summer, ending a partnership that lasted more than two decades. Flemish refused to renew his contract a few weeks ago, believing management was hesitant about his future.

"Cabaye no longer seems to agree with their working methods," an inside source revealed, "but we don't know his specific direction." In addition, one of Cabaye's friends has also become the target of criticism. The friend's son joined PSG's youth academy less than a year ago and is said to enjoy privileges and interfere in many matters, despite having no official role at the club.

Several coaches also expressed surprise at the club's shortage of personnel. For example, after the assistant coach of the U15 echelon was promoted to the U17 national team echelon coach, a replacement has not yet been found. The head coach of the U15 echelon, German Berg, is currently undergoing further studies and needs to attend training courses, so he will be absent. The U14 echelon also has only one coach instead of two. Mathieu Les Cornette, who was appointed technical director of the center last July, has at times had to lead training sessions himself to make up for the lack of personnel.

When we contacted PSG, the club said it would not "comment on its employees who are on sick leave" but stressed that "the club pays special attention to the mental health, physical health and well-being of its employees."

Regarding the lack of coaches at certain echelons, the club responded, "Vacancies may arise due to sick leave and we are actively looking for replacements, but these positions require specific skills and expertise." Finally, the club added: "The youth training center is well structured and organized and is making steady progress."