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Paris left to regret missed opportunities

Paris Saint-Germain boss François Rodrigues regretted missed chances in their final defeat while Yakou Meïté rued the concession of Chelsea's winner soon after the equaliser.

Jean-Kévin Augustin's penalty was one of several chances wasted by Paris
Jean-Kévin Augustin's penalty was one of several chances wasted by Paris ©Sportsfile

François Rodrigues, Paris coach
It's very frustrating, particularly that we weren't clinical enough in the second half, although that is mitigated by the fact we were facing a very good Chelsea side. We didn't deliver an end product in attack. It's a shame because we had enough chances to actually win, or at least to come back to draw. We got into the right areas but we didn't make the most of it. Of course, overall I'm satisfied with our performance because we've reached the final of the Youth League. But despite that, there is regret and disappointment in terms of this final.

I can't really criticise the lads because they ended up almost dominating the game territorially. Yes, we lacked a clinical edge up front and we were also a bit timid early on in the match against a Chelsea team who pressed high up the pitch. We were a bit conservative in our play in that first half and were a bit predictable. When we did vary things, we created the opening for the penalty which sadly we missed.

In the second half we reacted really well and I was delighted with the performance. However, the result went against us. Now we have to continue working hard and ironing out a few small details, because next year we want to return to this great tournament. If that game was to be won on points, I think we would have taken it. But we must acknowledge that Chelsea were more efficient than we were.

Yakou Meïté celebrates the equaliser – parity did not last
Yakou Meïté celebrates the equaliser – parity did not last©Getty Images

It was exactly the kind of match I expected, against a very experienced Chelsea side, many of whom had played last season. We knew it would be tough and maybe there were certain small details that conspired against us.

Yakou Meïté, Paris midfielder
It's disappointing because we wanted to take home the trophy, having made it all the way to the final. The key moment was their second goal, because we had just equalised for 1-1 but then they went and scored a second straight away. The result doesn't seem fair because we put an awful lot into the game and we created so many chances but were unable to take them. The scoreline went against us. Now we want to come back next year. It's been a really enriching experience for everyone – you don't always get to face teams of the calibre of Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Highlights: See how Paris pushed Chelsea all the way in UEFA Youth League final

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