The defender and captain of PSG Marquinhos he spoke like this in a press conference on the eve of the Champions League debut match: “For the spectators, it’s positive – he said referring to the new format of the Champions League -. There will be many good matches, great teams will face each other. But for the players, they are just more matches in an already very full calendar. It’s important to listen to the players, even if our first task is to play and win the matches”.
Are you among the big favorites of the competition?
“The big favorites are those who have already won. Last year we finished in the top four. We always want to go further, it’s the start of a new season and competition. You have to progress game after game. My teammates, for me, are always the best in the world. I’m always proud of the team I play for. Even if we don’t have big names, we are ready to achieve big goals. This new formula will be a discovery for all of us, a sort of championship. Tomorrow will be a very important match to play at home.”
Has the team already made us forget about Kylian Mbappé’s departure?
“The coach knew that other players would show themselves, that there would be opportunities for them. That’s what’s happening now. The coach has given us his collective philosophy, and we’re all moving forward in that direction. Performances will be the best response.”
What do you think of Joao Neves’ first steps?
“He’s a monster! He adapted quickly to the team’s game. Our philosophy is not easy to understand, especially in midfield where it is a crucial role, but from the first games he showed a very high level. Even though he is young, he seems very mature. He arrived ready and we are all very happy with what he is doing.”
What can be done to make the institutions listen to the players?
“At some point it will be necessary to sit down together, players and managers. It’s good to have more games, but the season is already very intense, with national teams, travel, games every three days. They follow one another really quickly. We are lucky to have a great team, and the coach manages the pace of the games well, but that’s not the case everywhere. It requires a lot, both physically and mentally, and it requires preparation. There will be more travel. We do what we love, we will never say no to a game, but at some point we will have to sit down with those who make decisions. I don’t know who, maybe the captain, but we will all have to think together. Otherwise football will lose out if the players start having problems.”