In the middle of debates about the use of aircraft for short trips, PSG is once again at the center of attention by sending an empty coach from Paris to Lisbon so the vehicle can travel internally on the club’s schedule.
This move was reported by Le Parisien, quoting club sources. The option is justified for security reasons: the PSG bus features bulletproof windows and the club relies on drivers who specialize in navigating tense and complex environments. Inside, the bus offers notable comfort with seats that recline up to 45 degrees and a built in kitchen to accommodate long journeys.
The Parisian coach will cover about 1,800 kilometers to Lisbon to accompany the players, including Mbappe, Messi, and Neymar, as they travel from the hotel to the Luz Stadium where the Champions League match is scheduled for October 11 at 21:00. The team will stay near the venue to maximize focus and minimize disruption, a plan designed to streamline team logistics for this high profile fixture.
Criticized by the French Government
According to RMC radio, the practice of dispatching an empty coach to provide trips in a specific city is common among other major European clubs, though PSG is under heightened scrutiny due to a recent safety scare. The attention increased after the 2017 bombing of the Borussia Dortmund bus, an incident that left clubs rethinking travel security and emergency preparedness. The renewed focus comes as authorities observe how teams manage travel for sensitive matchups and tense environments.
PSG has faced sharp criticism from the French government and several NGOs about a sarcastic remark by coach Christophe Galtier. He was questioned about why players take multiple flights on short trips when rail travel could be a greener alternative. The remark touched on broader concerns about sustainability and public perception. In response to rising social pressure, the club chose a bus for its most recent league matches, emphasizing safety and efficiency over speed in these particular trips.
Analysts note that teams increasingly weigh travel choices not only for security but also for public relations and environmental impact. The decision to use a dedicated bus aligns with a growing trend among top clubs to minimize aviation use where practical and to maintain rapid, controlled transport for key players during busy schedules. This case illustrates how clubs balance performance needs, safety protocols, and public expectations in modern professional football, especially in high stakes European fixtures. The discussion continues as fans and policymakers assess whether greener options should become standard practice for short, high-profile trips across leagues.