Vitinha, 25, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport about his development and the importance of the work demanded by Luis Enrique. The Portuguese player emphasized the daily discipline at PSG and his desire to help the team, particularly through his passing ability, honed since childhood.
Vitinha: “I’ve worked hard”
“My progress over the last two years?
I’ve worked hard, I’ve had a bit of luck, and I’ve been able to count on some important people, both personally and professionally. Starting with Luis Enrique, who has undoubtedly had the most decisive influence on my career.
One of the best midfielders in the world?
I’m going through a positive period, but I don’t forget that a season also has difficult moments and that criticism is inevitable. For me, however, the important thing is to stay as strong as possible to help the team. At PSG, every match is important.” We don’t make a distinction between league matches, Champions League games, or French Cup matches, where a defeat means elimination.
Vitinha: “It’s true, he’s a bit of a pain.”
Does Luis Enrique make no concessions in training?
“It’s true, he’s a bit of a pain (laughs), but I like it that way, because it’s a way to improve. He’s an excellent coach, not only technically and tactically, but also as a person, which makes all the difference at this level.”
“My assists?”
“It’s something I’ve been working on since I started playing football at six years old. It’s one of my strengths. I may not have many other qualities, but passing is something I’ve mastered.”
In this interview, Vitinha, 25, mainly describes an environment where constant high standards have become his driving force. The relationship with Luis Enrique, 54, appears to be the major driving force behind this progress: a demanding yet deeply humane coach who pushes everyone beyond their comfort zone. The Portuguese manager doesn’t seek the limelight; he almost modestly points out that the pass, this signature technique he has been honing since the age of six, remains his true treasure.
The rest, he says, is built on effort, discipline, and accepting the more challenging periods. He emphasizes that, for Paris Saint-Germain, every competition demands the same intensity, as if to summarize the culture the coach has instilled: work hard, practice, and never believe that any match is insignificant. This mentality explains his consistency over the past two seasons.
