Despite recent frustration, the former Paris Saint-Germain star has backed the team to taste European glory
Jay-Jay Okocha believes that for his former side Paris Saint-Germain, winning the Champions League is a matter of when, not if.
Despite heavy investment in recent years from the club's Qatari ownership, PSG have not made it past the Champions League quarter-finals since they were knocked out at the semi-final stage in the 1994-95 edition.
Though PSG have been frustrated recently in Europe's premier club competition – including back-to-back last-16 exits – Okocha believes that a Champions League trophy will eventually come to Paris.
"I have no doubt that [at] some point they will win the Champions League, [it] is [a] matter of when," the Nigerian told Goal.
"You know because not just as a former player of PSG, I’m [a] big fan of the club too, and I also put pressure on the team to try and win the Champions League because that is the only thing I believe that the club is missing for now.
"I think they brought some players to help the younger [players] believe that is possible. And for me maybe that is the little thing that is missing: belief that they can do it.
"And once they win the first one, I think that won't be that difficult again."
If PSG are to win their first Champions League this season, they will have to get past last-16 opponents Manchester United without Neymar, who could miss the rest of the season with a foot injury.
Even without the Brazilian star, Okocha is confident that PSG can still get the job done against United.
"Well of course, as a fan I think I’d love to see Neymar play," the 45-year-old said.
"But PSG have got a [lot of] great players and injury does happen sometimes, and we expect the others to do the job. So, I have no doubt that the other players will get the job done."
Neymar's time at PSG has been filled with rumours that he could be looking for a move away after initially joining the club in a world-record €222 million transfer in 2017.
Okocha isn't too concerned with the gossip, though he does hope the 27-year-old will stay with the Ligue 1 champions for a long time.
"There always be rumours. That is also part of the game because it is a global game and a massive business," Okocha said.
"When you have a lot of interest like that, there will be always speculation and rumours. So I don’t know what will happen in the future.
"I won't decide for him, I won't decide for the club, but as a PSG fan of course it will be great for us to [have] Neymar stay for a few more years."
Chima92
0
where are you
Relax! its not over yet...
AnasShelpaye
0
PSG fan! the battle is on!
where are you
Ketbclmnpz
0
Not long ago, I was watching PSG v Liverpool, along with man United fans. They were hypocrites, unaware that their team will face same team. PSG will thrash Man United without Neymar and Cavani.
Ketbclmnpz
0
Hello JJ, How are you? How would you like working as a pundit for Sky sports or get into coaching in the UK? Don't sit there, wasting your talent, pass it to the young ones.
hucklsuz
0
tuchel good enough
Heylmnoruy
1
mohamed
TinoConstantine
1
The will win if they are lucky not to come up against Barca or Real,I won't say they wil be out but ,its obvious😂😂🙏👍
wasacikmps
2
EunhoSr
5
I think PSG likes more Dribblers, as you can see from Okocha, Ronaldinho and finally Neymar He.
jaydlnpz
2
its not a matter of when but a matter of how
Paedaexee
0
it's gud they win the ucl trophy though but maybe some years back ,they are only champions in France ,being EPL champion is more or less taking champions league and world cup in addition, u will definitely have to go through struggles before being an EPL champion.
saebim
1
if they need championleague they can take wenger
OBIVICTORY
0
United is trash
Only a bozo can just say what u said
Chima92
0
🤣🤣🤣 I cant wair to see mbappe cavani dumaria destroying your goals
PSG fan! the battle is on!
AshtonLima
1
Without Neymar , this will be tough for PSG in UCL.
[image]
I think PSG will do better without him
Hezbt
1
till real Madrid get tired
Shadownet
0
"If" PSG wins UCL.... its still be a question of "If"
[image]
I can bet the whole Antarctica Liverpool would never win UCL in 10 years to come 😂😂😂😂😂 Sorry, I meant Liverpool will never lift a silverware in 10 years to come. 😂😂😂😂
Shadownet
2
Only jealous history teams who are scared of so called Oil Club domination thinks otherwise 😂😂😂😂😂 Whether u like it or not UCL isn't for history teams only 😂😂😂
Soccergodti
0
Okocha should just stop dreaming bcos psg will not beat Man united.
United is trash
Soccergodti
0
PSG is Neymar not mbappe without Neymar it's an end here though
Neymar will be back in the quarterfinals all they have to do is get by that week as team united
Soccergodti
0
"If" PSG wins UCL.... its still be a question of "If"
[image]
Lol coming from a Liverpool fan that’s funny
Andymi
0
They will have to extend their wait 4 the trophy to nxt Season cos Man Utd could knock them out...
We are the United and PSG won't be our problem
shuvomns
1
may be in next century..
AnasShelpaye
0
They will have to extend their wait 4 the trophy to nxt Season cos Man Utd could knock them out...
🤣🤣🤣 I cant wair to see mbappe cavani dumaria destroying your goals
Chima92
5
They will have to extend their wait 4 the trophy to nxt Season cos Man Utd could knock them out...
Voyabcdny
1
and that when not being any time soon....
Posacdlmny
1
mbappe cavani neymar
atlanz
1
dey have great players playin in der ranks but de problm is dat ders no unity between dos stars n moreover dey play in aleague where dey r de boss so dey dont get much experience of high profile games
SINGAM23
4
"If" PSG wins UCL.... its still be a question of "If"
davyquan
1
PSG is Neymar not mbappe without Neymar it's an end here though
west52
2
Without Neymar , this will be tough for PSG in UCL.
Leokiss
0
So what I will say is good luck to PSG🤣
headache
1
PSG is improving every year.I think CL champion is not very far away.
upup112
1
I just regard this as a joke🤣
yearbook
0
PSG is improving. But they still needs strong will power.
Christiansmo
0
I think PSG even can get across MU🤣
iunderstand
0
This season is hard... Neymar is injured.
happen
0
Just give up. MU will soon beat PSG.
wulover
0
PSG now could be rated as one of TOP6 teams in Europe
courtlow
0
People actually don't think PSG can win the CL? They have been incredibly consistent getting to QF's, and I'd argue they are improving each year.
squarerahj
0
in your dream. #novex
jihceiryz
0
Yeah Derby County winning the CL is also the matter of when.
same to you
gentlesoulnw
0
Guys he never said they will win it this season, but he said they will eventually win it but is a matter of when? Not if.
OBIVICTORY
0
Okocha should just stop dreaming bcos psg will not beat Man united.
nuzdilmu
0
Great to hear
29356899(deleted)
5
Yes. When pigs fly and hell freezes over will the Farming fraternity Winn anything outside the great league wan.🤪🤪💩
Ledbeilnt
2
World best of dribbling
Zemdilou
1
he was so good that they had no choice but to name him twice. it's Jay Jay Okocha
Spartacus_Aye419
2
No one, I repeat no one, not even Ronaldinho had the immense talent that this Our Own Jay-Jay Okocha had during his Days. I wish he was still playing for us Nigeria. Anyways he should just stop dreaming for his Old Club though
TomTheCat
5
Yeah Derby County winning the CL is also the matter of when.