His speech is rare. But when he comes face to face with the microphones, it’s because Neymar has something to say. On the eve of the meeting against Bayern Munich, this Tuesday evening at the Parc des Princes, the Brazilian star seemed to want to spread confidence in the Parisian ranks by assuring that his team, some of whose members had a lively discussion with the direction Saturday in Monaco, would be present at the meeting of this knockout stages of the Champions League.
How do you judge your state of form and do you understand the criticisms about your performances?
NEYMAR. I feel great, mentally and physically. In some matches, things don’t go very well, we want to do everything and it doesn’t work. I’ve been a professional for 15 years, I know how it goes. The reviews are valid. I can understand them, everyone has the right to have their point of view, I respect it. But I’m doing my best for the team and I will do it until the end of the season.
It is said that PSG players have the ability to switch to Champions League mode. Will they still have it this Tuesday evening?
We have the capacity. I have a lot of self-confidence. Since I’ve been in Europe, I’ve always been on top. I am humbled when I underline these aspects. Tomorrow against Bayern, it’s a “nuclear” match, we are aware of the difficulties but we have a very good team to play a great match.
Two years ago you shone against Bayern Munich. Can this reunion motivate you to return to this level?
(Amused) Yes, it’s one of the good matches I’ve played for Paris. I don’t know if they’re the best, but I like to play those big games.
Every time the cutthroat Champions League matches arrive, Paris seems to be struggling. What do you attribute it to?
I have no explanation for these facts. It happens in all clubs. But we as a team all have to be focused. We are aware that difficulties are coming but it allows us to prepare better. We talk about it very often in the locker room. We are aware that there are some flaws. But we’re looking for the best face to offer and I’m sure we’ll see it.
Kylian Mbappé has resumed training. Do you feel able to play?
Kylian is a very important player for the team. It’s a crack, a big one. When we are all three (with Messi) we feel stronger. I hope he can play for a few minutes. The coach will decide. But he told me he felt good, it’s a good indicator and for the team it’s important.
Will the success of your season come down to what will happen against Bayern?
No, each game has its story. Our biggest goal is the Champions League. Sometimes you can’t master all the details. But the Champions League is like the World Cup, you have to master all the details. We know the difficulties, we will try to show our best profile. We are not here to walk around but to win all possible titles. Elimination in the Coupe de France hurt, but it passed. Errors must be analyzed and used. They have great players but so do we and we know what we have to do tomorrow.
L’Equipe say you and Marquinhos had a heated exchange with Luis Campos at Monaco. What about?
Yes it happened, we had an exchange where we did not agree. But disagreements happen every day with lots of people and that doesn’t stop me from loving them all. Even with my girlfriend, we don’t always agree, but we’re still together. There is respect even if sometimes we don’t agree. Dialogue improves the environment and content of our matches. It’s true our last performances have not been good, and when there are defeats it disturbs us. Discussions are part of the process to improve our performance. We talk, it’s important. This is my sixth season here. Sometimes there are rumors that come out at key moments, I don’t know what to do, I’m a player. It doesn’t bother me, but it bothers my teammates or the coach. There are subjects that must remain between us. But it’s everyday life, we fight together for the same goal.
How does the presence of Verratti change anything in the profile of PSG?
He is a great player, we know his qualities. When he’s on the pitch, it’s added value. His presence is very positive.