Ahead of the blockbuster UEFA Champions League semi-final clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, one of PSG’s key attacking players shared detailed thoughts during the pre-match press conference as reported by dairo AS via their youtube channel, giving insight into the team’s mentality, form, and expectations going into the tie.
Softfootball believes that The encounter has been billed as one of the biggest matches in Europe this season, with PSG arriving full of confidence after eliminating Liverpool in dominant fashion over two legs, a result that sparked strong reactions from fans following the heavy aggregate defeat at Anfield.
Now, attention shifts to Bayern, with both sides aiming to take control in the first leg.
Introducing his thoughts, the PSG forward spoke at length about the team’s condition and mindset, saying,
Uh yeah, I think I feel great, I think I’m in good shape, but I know there are many important games ahead like tomorrow. The main reason why I feel like this is the team, because we have amazing players and they help me to do these things… I’m really proud to be one of them. At the start of the season we were a little bit tired because we had many games, but now we are in very good shape, maybe even better than before, and we know we have to give 100% because these are the most important games remaining.
He also reflected on previous meetings and how the team has evolved, adding,
I remember that game very well… at that time we were not as good as they were and we had many important players injured, but even then in the second half we showed we were capable of everything. Now it’s different, now two of the best teams are playing against each other and this game will be more important for both sides.
Speaking on his personal development and role in attack, he explained,
As a winger, the main goal is to go inside and shoot. We work on that every day in training with shooting drills and movements, and even with the national team I try to improve this. I think it’s good but I can still improve, that’s why I work every day. When I go on the pitch, I just want to give 100%, it doesn’t matter if I score or not, I want to leave knowing I gave everything for the badge.
On the challenge of facing Manuel Neuer, he acknowledged the difficulty, stating,
It’s very difficult because he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world, a legend. We don’t know how much power you need to score against him, but we’ve done it before and we will try again. He can do everything, even with his feet, so we just focus on our work and try to find a way.
He also reserved special praise for teammate Ousmane Dembélé, highlighting his influence on the team, saying,
With Dembele you don’t have to work a lot, you just have to enjoy watching him. He has the talent to do everything on the pitch. When you play with him, it’s a pleasure because he can create moments for you to score. I’m really proud to have him in the team and I think he can win the biggest awards many times.
Finally, he spoke about the unity within the squad and the atmosphere behind their strong form, concluding,
We have an amazing relationship not just between attackers but across the whole team. Every training we enjoy seeing each other, everyone comes with a smile, and I think that’s one of the main reasons we are in such good shape. We are like a family, and I’m really proud to be part of it.
Watch video below;
With confidence high and momentum building, PSG head into this high-stakes semi-final first leg knowing they are facing one of Europe’s strongest sides, but also believing they have the quality, unity, and form to rise to the occasion.
