Willian Pacho, the 24-year-old Paris Saint-Germain defender, stopped in the mixed zone after the 5-3 victory against Tottenham this Wednesday at the Parc des Princes in Matchday 5 of the 2025-2026 Champions League. He reflected on the win, highlighting positive aspects but also areas for improvement. The Ecuadorian also discussed his second goal of the season and Marquinhos’ 500th appearance (the 31-year-old defender and captain).
Pacho: “It’s our identity.”
A good evening?
A lot happened in this match, some good, some not so good… But the most important thing is to maintain the same intensity; that’s our identity. It’s a very important victory for us and for staying at the top of the table.
Vitinha?
He’s incredible. His level is impressive. He helped us a lot in this difficult match. He’s an exceptional player who always helps the team, both defensively and offensively.
Pacho: “We mustn’t lose this desire to improve every day, every minute.”
More variety in attack?
We’re always trying to improve, to create chances. We’ve had a lot of injuries, but those who come in are always there, they adapt to our style of play, and that shows we’re a very complete team.
Already a second goal this season?
It’s thanks to the team too. I think they’ve helped me a lot to have this confidence, to keep improving. We all want to score, to win every match; it’s important. We mustn’t lose this desire to improve every day, every minute.
Three goals conceded?
As a defender, I don’t like that. We have to correct it, continue to improve personally and collectively.
Pacho: “I couldn’t have had a better captain than him.”
Marquinhos?
“I’m very happy. 500 matches, I imagine he’s had his ups and downs, but it’s important to see the quality of the person he is. I couldn’t have had a better captain than him. I try to learn from him every minute, every match, because he’s an exceptional person.”
Extension?
“It’s not the right time. We’ll see later,” these remarks were reported by Le Figaro.
It’s good to see the high standards of Pacho and PSG. Victory is always important, something to savor. The Parisians have achieved some great things and can be proud of their ability to respond to the more difficult moments. However, there have been mistakes and too many goals conceded. It’s possible to do better; we need to have the will to work in order to improve even further.
We can count on the mentality of coach Luis Enrique, who isn’t one to rest on his laurels. He’s been saying it since this summer: the goal is to improve and win again. Pacho has clearly taken the message to heart. This also aligns with his usual determination. You can really feel it when discussing the goals conceded, which are hard for the defender to accept.
However, we shouldn’t overlook the positives. Pacho and his team won, with another goal from the defender, who hadn’t scored last season. This is good news for him, but also for a group that knows it can rely on everyone. Including its captain, who was praised by all his teammates and the staff despite some criticism from outside.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Pacho didn’t want to discuss his contract after a Champions League victory. That’s commendable; it’s not the right time.
