Nuno Mendes, Paris Saint-Germain’s 22-year-old left-back, stopped off in the mixed zone after the 4-1 victory over Monaco (PSG/Monaco video highlights) this Friday at the Parc des Princes as part of Matchday 21 of Ligue 1 2024-2025. He talked about the success, the style of play, Ousmane Dembélé (27-year-old striker), his contract extension and the versatility in the team.
Nuno Mendes: “It’s our DNA.
How do you feel about it?
We’re happy, we’re winning and I think that’s the most important thing for us, to gain confidence. We’ve got games every 3 days, so it’s important to win and rest well to face the next game in the best possible way.
Is Dembélé exceptional?
(smiles) Yes, he’s in good shape. We’re also trying to give him the ball to score goals. We know he’s good. But the most important thing is the team’s victory, and we’re happy about that.
You’ve been like a steamroller for the past month, haven’t you?
Yes, we have been. We try not to let our opponents play, that’s our DNA. We press a lot, we need to do that to get the ball as far away from our goal as possible. That’s the team’s objective, to keep the ball and if we lose it we press straight away.
Nuno Mendes “I have to say thank you to the club and the president for the trust.”
What changed in the second half? We saw more creativity, was that the key to turning the game around?
Yes, I think it was. The first half was a bit complicated, it was 1-1. In the second half, we added more intensity and movement. We made a lot of changes on the pitch and that’s the most important thing, it changed the game and we managed to win.
After much suspense, you have extended your contract with PSG. Is that great news for you? Did it take a long time?
Yes, but I’m happy to have extended my contract. I have to thank the club and the president for their confidence in me. It means a lot to me.
Nuno Mendes “we have a lot of runs that can make the runs.”
How did you feel playing left forward?
I feel great. Frankly, I feel good. I like attacking. All the players are prepared to attack and defend. The coach puts us in a position that he thinks is good and we do our best.
Is PSG more unpredictable today?
Yes, I think so. We have a lot of runs that can make the runs up front. I’ve been up front, but the most important thing is that the team is doing well and that the players have the confidence to score goals.
