2023-12-13 04:30:39
Serene and determined. While a light rain fell at the same time on the lawn of Signal Iduna Park, Marquinhos appeared before the press to deliver positive messages on the eve of playing out his future in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund. The PSG captain expressed his excitement before this decisive meeting and explained that the entire Parisian squad was ready to face this challenge. The Brazilian defender was also reassuring about his physical form.
Does this PSG team, which has experienced great difficulties away from home, have the sufficient character to win in Dortmund?
MARQUINHOS. Of course. If I thought this team didn’t have enough character, I would have stayed home and not come. We prepared for the match in the best way, we had a good week. The coach was very demanding. Everyone is ready for a great match, everyone is excited. Everyone wants to be out there and do their best. We are ready for a very big match. Our destiny is in our hands.
Luis Enrique insists on a philosophy based on a desire to play the game. Do you think we will have to deny his principles to win against Dortmund?
I think the coach has his principles, to start from behind. But he often tells us that if we are having difficulties, we can play simple, clear the ball. You have to know how to spot the dangers. We understand his philosophy better and better. Things are improving. Tomorrow we will try with our personality to do our best. If we have to clear, we will clear the ball. You have to know how to make the right choices so as not to take stupid risks.
Is this the first time you have felt so much pressure before a final Champions League group match?
There is a lot of excitement. We have to take this kind of pressure to motivate ourselves. There is everything you need. As great players, these are moments that we want to experience in our career. It’s a match that can launch us into this Champions League season.
You lost to Newcastle and Milan this season in the Champions League. How do you explain this excitement outside?
I think all the teams that came to the Park had difficulties. We made small mistakes, details in away matches that we didn’t make at home. Outside, there is the strength of the supporters. It is in the details that can explain the errors made.
Ousmane Dembélé is suspended tomorrow, what does that change for you?
He’s a great player, he’s a player who brings a lot. There are other players to play a good game on the pitch. Whoever replaces him will know what to do, the coach prepares everyone in the same way. Ousmane brought us a lot in this first phase of the Champions League, but whoever is on the pitch in his place will do their best.
How much of a disaster would it be to go out in the group stage of the Champions League?
I think the discourse has changed because all championships are important to us. We prepare all the matches in the best way, that’s the best way to do it. You have to go get all the trophies. I think you’re thinking about the negative side of it, but I’m thinking about the positive, if we have a great collective match. Our supporters will be there, they will be with us, we will not be alone. It’s a match that can give us a lot of confidence. We chose to look at things in a positive way.
You returned to competition against Nantes on Saturday, how are you feeling physically? And what about Zaire-Emery?
I feel very good. The injury is 100% over, I had time to take good care of myself for these end-of-year matches. I feel great, 100%. The coach took me off against Nantes but it was as a precaution. I arrive with great hope, great excitement as if it were my first match. Warren is fine too, he’s 100%, he’s fine. He has no genes.
What would it mean to you to one day win the Champions League?
It would be something magnificent, it’s the only trophy I’m missing. It’s a dream that many had when coming here. The road is long, you have to go game by game. We have to think first about tomorrow’s match because it is decisive. But if one day I bring home this trophy, it would be one of the best days of my life.
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