PSG's championship-winning team continued to break apart in 1987–88 as Dominique Rocheteau also left the club. World-class midfielders Gabriel Calderón and Ray Wilkins arrived in Paris but could not turn the tide either. Wilkins only played ten matches before joining Rangers in December 1987. Their last-place finish in the Tournoi de Paris, a first since 1976, predicted the way things would unfold. Following a run of seven defeats in eight games, Gérard Houllier took a step back and became the club's sporting director in October 1987.[7]
Erick Mombaerts was named manager but he also failed to steer the ship and PSG finished the year in the relegation zone, prompting Houllier's return in February 1988 for the second half of the campaign.[1][4][7] Paris reached its lowest point in late April 1988, when they lost 0–4 against Nice at the Parc des Princes. Still the club's record home league defeat, it plunged them back into third from bottom with only five games remaining.[1][7] Earlier that month, PSG had also suffered their biggest away cup defeat.[8] It was a 0–3 loss to Sochaux in the French Cup last-32 stage (eliminated 1–6 on aggregate).[7][8] They rallied up just in time, though, Daniel Xuereb scoring the only goal of the game away to Le Havre on the final matchday to avoid the drop with a dramatic 15th-placed finish.[9] With top-flight status secured, Houllier left the club in June 1988 following the end of the season.[4]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
