Michel Montana, official speaker of Paris Saint-Germain since 1998, gave us an interview a few days after the reunion with a full Parc des Princes during the reception in Strasbourg on August 14 as part of the 2nd day of Ligue 1. A special evening, since there was also the big presentation of the recruits. We talked about this special moment, but also about the start of the closed session and in particular the famous round of 16 second leg of the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund.
Montana “it was really lunar. But it was a good memory. “
How did you experience the first day against Dortmund?
It was lunar (laughs). We are not used to working in these conditions. And at the same time, it is also a good memory. As paradoxical as it may be. Already because the outcome was good on the sporting and emotional level. But it is true that there was regret that the supporters were not there. But otherwise, I had already done 2-3 in camera quite a while before following sanctions. And I kinda knew what it was.
PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 11: (FREE FOR EDITORIAL USE) In this handout image provided by UEFA, Angel Di Maria of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates victory with fans outside the stadium after the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund at Parc des Princes on March 11, 2020 in Paris, France. The match is played behind closed doors as a precaution against the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). (Photo by UEFA – Handout/UEFA via Getty Images)
Photo by Icon Sport – Angel DI MARIA – Parc des Princes – Paris (France)
–
But there, in addition to a Champions League match. It is true that it was special. You could hear everything, it was really lunar. But it was a good memory, especially when the players found the supporters.
Did you take part in the party?
No, I had a UEFA accreditation and there are plenty of areas where I was not allowed to go. It was very frustrating not to follow the players when they gave each other the word.
For all the Champions League matches are like this, there are plenty of areas where you are not allowed to go. There, it was even more particular, with the closed door, the Covid.
Montana “I am here to be the link between the club and the supporters. It was very frustrating. “
Do you think the atmosphere after the game was almost better than with a full Park, because there was this unique context?
It was just crazy, yes! It is as if everything had come together to, despite everything, pass the round and find a fusion between the supporters and the players to party.
When you realized that this season was over, what was your feeling?
It was a shock. I’m like everyone else, no one knew how the crisis was going to develop. Everything stopped, without having any vision on the continuation. I was flabbergasted.
The recovery in camera, it was still envious?
There were 2 feelings. I was able to work on the side anyway. And the League has always left the fact that there is a speaker, I was happy to find the stadium, the players, my passion. But I was super frustrated for the supporters. I am here to be the link between the club and the supporters. It was very frustrating.
And at first, I had a little trouble taking my marks. I did not want to do too much, to ignite when there is no one there does not make sense. And at the same time I thought to myself that there are times when it was too dull the way I was announcing. I told myself that I was going to think of the supporters in front of the television and I did it a little more normally. But in a less intense way, all the same.
Montana “Every supporter would have liked to be in my place. So it’s a bit of both. “
You still had to present the composition of the teams before the match?
It’s a little different behind closed doors, since I was also announcing the name when the supporters normally do. There, I did it all, with the numbers. I never asked the delegate of the League, but I think that is part of the specifications. There are also substitutions and goals.
Some said about sporting events that they felt privileged, did you too?
It was very weird, but I felt privileged. Each supporter would have liked to be in my place. So it’s a bit of both.
How did you get used to the empty stadium?
Man gets used to everything. No matter what we are asked, even if the conditions are changed we get used to it. Me, after a few games, I got used to it. Even if it’s frustrating and we didn’t know how long it was going to last. Finally, it was a year and a half …
What was your emotion when the supporters’ comeback against Strasbourg was validated?
In the meantime, there have been 2-3 friendlies with a very low gauge. It was in 2020 during the month of July. We had been able to taste a little the happiness of having supporters. But we were forced to redo games behind closed doors.
Montana “I hallucinated when I heard the Virages. “
Was there always a stress for the comeback against Strasbourg or especially joy going to the match?
It all mixed up, really, all the feelings. I never imagined that we would resume with a full stadium. I was pleasantly surprised, like everyone else. But there was a form of stress. It was the match where everything happens: the return to the Park, the full gauge, the presentation of the recruits and the icing on the cake: Messi. It was an evening with a lot of things. It’s like everything, like the kitchens of a big restaurant, the atmosphere is different once you push open the kitchen doors (laughs). We had to adapt to a lot of things.
(LR) Achraf HAKIMI of Paris Saint Germain (PSG), Georginio WIJNALDUM of Paris Saint Germain (PSG), Gianluigi DONNARUMMA of Paris Saint Germain (PSG), Sergio RAMOS of Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and Lionel MESSI of Paris Saint Germain ( PSG) are presented to the fans ahead of the French Ligue 1 Uber Eats soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Strasbourg at Parc des Princes on August 14, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Baptiste Fernandez / Icon Sport) – Achraf HAKIMI – Lionel MESSI – Gianluigi DONNARUMMA – Georginio WIJNALDUM – Sergio RAMOS – Parc des Princes – Paris (France)
–
For example, I was supposed to be on the podium until shortly before the ceremony. Suddenly, I was told no, that I would make the link with the supporters. It didn’t bother me at all, it’s what I claim to be. But we had to adapt, I was no longer master of ceremonies but presenter.
And then there was a noise like I couldn’t remember. I hallucinated when I heard the Virages, mainly Auteuil. We had lost the sound marks a bit. We did not necessarily have the feedback, I did not hear when I was told. It was stressful, but in the end it was a big foot (laughs).
Montana “You have to have fun while staying focused. “
How is it to present players like Sergio Ramos or Messi at the Parc des Princes?
It’s just crazy! I had the chance to present players who have marked the history of the club before. But there, each recruit was already an event on its own, the more Messi is crazy. To find the Barça player and the Real player in the Parisian jersey, it’s crazy! (laughs). I don’t know if we realize it.
Even if you are in your work, at this moment you feel the part of supporting that also vibrates in you?
I have never hidden it, I do what I am asked I am the good soldier, I am a good professional, I do the job as best I can. But in me, there is always the support. And there, it is the supporter who speaks when he announces stars like Messi. With the problems that can pose. As I couldn’t hear myself, I pushed a little on the voice. What not to do, but it’s human. And so I pushed on the vocal cords, but it’s also taking it.
Is it difficult to stay focused given the event and the return with a huge atmosphere?
Afterwards, it is also the habit of work. You have to be careful not to get carried away too much, to stay focused. A grain of sand can have serious consequences. I have to be careful not to spoil the work of the management. You have to stay focused so as not to get carried away and become more of a spectator than an actor. You have to take pleasure while remaining focused.
Montana “If I could experience this at least once, that would be just great. “
The entry music from the players surprised, as it was not the classic Phil Collins song, but it was said to be a mistake. Can you confirm?
No, I honestly don’t know. I heard it too, but I didn’t ask during the debrief. I do not know.
After presenting Messi at the Parc, what dream do you have left as a speaker at the Parc?
Ah, it is simple! That we win the Champions League and be able to present it to the Park (laughs). I know my future is behind me, so if I could experience this at least once, as a speaker-supporter, that would be just great. There is the trail to the stars, we can already imagine the things we will be able to experience.
There will undoubtedly be some fabulous moments. After, I am like all the supporters, I am going to ignite on a sumptuous gesture or a collective action of sick. But deep down, if I have one dream it’s the same as all the supporters and the club, it’s to go to the end in the Champions League.
Montana “Let them stay as they are (laughs)! They are still there, I admire them. “
Finally, a message for PSG supporters for the rest of the season?
Let them stay as they are (laughs)! They are still there, I admire them. Let them know that I am with them, even if I am not close. I always think of them on the microphone. I have imperatives, I cannot do everything I would like to do. We are in a different way of working. But I gladly accept it, we are experiencing fabulous things. But let the fans know that I think of them first.
Are you going to take out a subscription to the Park after your career?
I don’t know, it will be hard for me (laughs). I don’t know if I will experience it from a bit far away, staying close. I’ve always been a supporter, it’s my club. I attended the jump-off between PSG and Valenciennes for the climb to D1. At the time, I could not imagine that I would one day be the announcer. I was far from thinking about it all. But life means that I ended up with the microphone in the Park.
:quality(80)/cdn-kiosk-api.telegraaf.nl/c57e7b74-0c31-11ec-adca-02d2fb1aa1d7.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
