On Tuesday, as part of the first leg of the Champions League 2024-2025 play-offs (return on Wednesday February 19), Paris Saint-Germain take on Brest at the Stade du Roudourou (kick-off 6.45pm, UTC+1). On the eve of this encounter, Parisian full-back Nuno Mendes (22) answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Nuno Mendes “He needs to have the ball to do what he does best.”
Weird to play Brest in the Champions League again? How do you get into Champions League mode?
We don’t think about that. If they’re here, it’s because they’ve got quality. We’re focused, and we know that mentality changes in this competition.
You had your bearings with Barcola, how are things going with Kvaratskhelia?
He’s a good player. I try to do my best to make sure he’s comfortable on the pitch. He’s very strong in duels, so I try to give him the ball so he can do his best. Bradley is also very attacking, and he’s very good at one-on-one. He needs the ball to do what he does best.
Nuno Mendes “there was a moment when we were playing well but we didn’t manage to score.”
How did it go during the more difficult criticism and results?
Yes, there was a time when we were playing well but we didn’t manage to score. Especially in the Champions League. But that’s soccer. Today, we’re fine. Maybe not tomorrow. But we do our best to be good and do what the coach asks.
What’s different about playing Brest in the LDC?
It’s different, it’s a different competition. The pitch isn’t very good, but we’re going to try to get the ball into our opponents’ half as much as possible, and have possession to win. That’s what we want to do every game.
A big collective improvement?
We’re doing well at the moment. I think the coach has done a good job, putting all the players in the right conditions. We know what we have to do, and that’s the most important thing for us. After that, on the pitch, we have to make the best choices.
Nuno Mendes: “If we’re not good, Brest can hurt us.
Is being favourites an added pressure?
You could say yes, but we know it’s the Champions League. Every detail counts. If we’re not good, Brest can hurt us. They’ve got a great team and good players. If we let them play, they’ll hurt us.
100 games for Marquinhos in the LDC? Do you hope to surpass him?
I’m happy for him, he’s our captain. I’m proud to play with Marquinhos. It’s a dream to play so many games in the Champions League, so I’m happy for him and we want to give him a nice present.
The 2-5 scoreline a short while ago didn’t reflect the match.
Yes, it’s always complicated against Brest. If we let them play, they’re going to hurt us. We’ve got to do well from the start tomorrow.
Any different instructions from Hakimi?
We each have our own role on the pitch. I do mine, then Hakimi goes up or down. The coach decides, I do what he asks and I’m fine.
Nuno Mendes “to attack well, you have to defend well.”
How well do you know Baldé?
Yes, I know him well. He’s a good player. If he plays tomorrow, I’ll try to be ready to help him. We don’t know what’s going to happen, but I think I’m ready to face him.
There’s been some debate about your use of the ball, with some people saying you’re restricted. What do you think?
No, I do what the coach says tomorrow. I feel good attacking, being out in front. But to attack well, you have to defend well. I feel good defending and then attacking.
Have you come up with any new ideas in the last 10 days as you prepare to face Brest?
There aren’t any big changes, but the pitch isn’t very good and that changes the way you play. That’s the main point.
