Alec Georgen Faces PSG in Emotional Cup Semifinal

DUNKERQUE, France – Alec Georgen, a 26-year-old defender for US Dunkerque, finds himself in a unique situation as he prepares to face his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), in the semifinals of the Coupe de France on Tuesday at 21:10 local time. Georgen, who spent eight years at PSG, expressed his excitement at the upcoming match, referring to it as a “special game” that will allow him to reconnect with former teammates like Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos.

“It’s my formative club, my club of the heart,” Georgen told reporters. “I’m extremely happy to encounter people I have known, even if many players have changed since my time there.” Georgen made only one official appearance for PSG in a competitive match back in January 2017, but his journey in professional football has led him back to a significant moment.

After leaving PSG in 2019 for more playtime, Georgen initially joined Avranches in the National league. Reflecting on his past experiences during an interview, he admitted, “Every player trained at Paris has the dream of making it there. There is a small disappointment but no regrets. The break was hard, but I used everything from that experience. Training with players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Maxwell at age 16 made me progress rapidly. You learn the discipline on and off the pitch, the expectations. Looking back, I realize I wouldn’t have made it at PSG at that time.”

Despite stepping down from Ligue 1 to lower divisions, he views his experiences as essential growth moments. “When you’re a young player at PSG, you are often put on a pedestal despite having never played in Ligue 1! I trained with professionals and learned a lot, but I didn’t know what the Ligue 1 level really was. When I dropped down, I knew I had to develop my skills,” he said.

Now, Georgen plays a pivotal role in Dunkerque’s drive for promotion to Ligue 1, and he is regarded as one of the top right-backs in Ligue 2. He acknowledges that while his path seemed lengthy, he feels fully prepared for the challenges at the highest level. “It may seem like a waste of time, but if I make it to Ligue 1 tomorrow, I’ll be ready. The areas I’ve refined in my game are solid. If I had played for Paris at 16 or 17, I wouldn’t be the player I am today. I feel more armed and complete,” Georgen stated.

In discussing the current PSG, Georgen shared his thoughts on their recent shift in strategy. “I was a bit disappointed with the club’s policy in recent years. They’ve taken a new direction aimed at creating a collaborative team without individual stars. Luis Enrique is beginning to reap the benefits of this approach, and I love the identity they’re establishing, which mirrors what we are trying to accomplish here at Dunkerque,” he noted.

With a contract extending until 2026, Georgen is eager to grow alongside Dunkerque and aims to establish himself in Ligue 1, whether in France or internationally. He remains optimistic about the club’s ambitions, which include a potential rise to Ligue 1 within the next three to four years. “So, if we promote, I’ll be here. But in football, it’s always hard to predict the future,” he concluded.