OGC Nice defender Dante spoke to L’Équipe about Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 Champions League triumph over Inter Milan. He reflects on the Parisian club’s turnaround against Liverpool, and pays tribute to Marquinhos, the symbol of PSG’s collective success.
Dante “From that moment on, I told everyone that Paris would go all the way”.
“The turning point was the comeback against Liverpool. From that moment on, I told everyone that Paris would go all the way. To show so much personality against such a strong team was an admirable signal. It’s a final in the shape of an apotheosis. I’m not surprised, because this Paris team is simply unplayable. As a Ligue 1 player, I’m very happy.
Dante “I was very touched by his emotion, because he deserves everything he gets”.
Any personal favourites?
A coach who has instilled a collective state of mind in his stars, with exceptional values. Marqui has always been a phenomenon. I told him: ‘Keep working as hard as you are and take advantage of the best teacher in the world: Thiago Silva’. And that’s exactly what he did.
You don’t really realize what a career he’s had. I was very touched by his emotion, because he deserves everything that’s happened to him. Everyone knows him as a player, but above all he’s a man of great value, a rare personality. I’m very proud of him.“
Paris Saint-Germain’s run in the Champions League marked a real turning point in their opponents’ perception of the club. For Dante, PSG have reached a level of maturity and collective power that makes them virtually unplayable. The demonstration of strength against Liverpool sent a clear message to the whole of Europe: Paris is no longer just an outsider, but a benchmark to be feared.
This transformation is accompanied by growing respect, even among Ligue 1’s direct rivals. Dante insists on the impact of the state of mind instilled by the coach, capable of federating individualities around a common project. From now on, facing PSG means taking on a team that imposes its authority and confidence, and commands admiration for its cohesion and high standards. Dante observes this change in status with pride, aware that PSG now inspires as much respect as mistrust on the European stage.
