On Wednesday, during Matchday 8 of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (6th) will face Newcastle (7th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG defender Willian Pacho (24 years old) answered several questions at a press conference.
Pacho: “We’re ready, all together.”
Does this match feel like a Round of 32 game?
I think it’s a very important match. It’s true that we’re preparing this way; we’re going to play for our qualification in the top eight. We feel very good; we know what kind of match it is. It will be difficult against a very tough opponent. We’re ready, all together.
Newcastle likes to play behind the defense; how are you preparing?
We’ve watched videos of the opponent, of their style of play. They’re a physical team that plays a lot of direct, behind-the-back football. We’ve prepared to deliver the best possible performance. We’ve worked on both our attack and defense. I hope I can help; I’m ready.
Pacho: “We hope he’ll be at his best tomorrow to help us aim for victory.”
What does Hakimi’s return change?
Hakimi is incredible defensively, but Warren Zaïre-Emery did a great job filling in. Hakimi is very good in all aspects of the game; he reads it extremely well. We hope he’ll be at his best tomorrow to help us aim for victory.
Kvaratskhelia and you have adapted quickly. Does the youth of the team make it easier to adapt?
Yes, as does the staff. All of that helped me adapt as smoothly as possible. The club did everything they could to make me feel comfortable, as did my family, and everything else that goes into it. The staff is very precise in what they ask of you. That helps you adapt as well as possible.
Pacho: “I have complete faith in him.”
Chevalier is often criticized, what’s the relationship like between you?
He’s a great guy. You can see his work ethic and his desire to win, the way he defends the team. It’s very admirable. We don’t talk much, there might still be a slight language barrier. But I see how he plays, and I have complete faith in him. He still has so much desire and humility. He’s always ready to face challenges. Things happen in football, but he’s always there.
Is your goal to be the best in the world in your position?
When I arrived in Paris, my goal was to contribute a lot to the team. Being the best defender goes hand in hand with being at the best club. The strength of the team also helps, and on an individual level, you have to help the team. We have a very attacking team, so you always have to maintain your focus, be aware of what happens when you lose possession. I always give my best.
Pacho: “He’s a bit like a father to me.”
Did Marquinhos help you gain confidence? What’s your relationship like?
He’s a bit like a father to me; he’s always there for everything, for everyone. He’s been a very special player since I arrived. He tells me to always keep my hunger, my desire to learn. He’s helped me a lot, and I try to learn from him. He has a lot of experience, a lot of qualities, and I learn from him every day. I always want to improve and learn from the best, like him. Young players are here to learn from the older ones.
A word on the arrival of Dro Fernandez?
I’m very happy about his arrival. It’s an exceptional group; whenever he needs us, we’ll be there. We all want to grow together. Luis Enrique helps us a lot; he gives us confidence. And he clearly shows that age doesn’t prevent you from playing. If we work hard, we have a chance to play.
What is your role on set pieces?
Defensively, I try to contribute as much as possible; I’m one of the tallest players. I always have to be alert. Newcastle plays very well on set pieces; it’s one of their strengths. We’ve worked a lot on that. In terms of both defense and attack, I’ll try to help, to block players, and to score.
Pacho: “You have to pay attention to how the play unfolds.”
Do you work on anticipation every day? Does the coach ask you to?
It’s a matter of reading the game. Anticipation isn’t always essential. You have to pay attention to how the play unfolds. You have to see how I can help the team. We attack a lot, so you have to look at what can happen if we lose the ball. You can’t let the players go on the counter-attack.
How do you put last season behind you to maintain the desire to win everything?
We talk a lot about maintaining the desire when you win, but the coach always emphasizes that you mustn’t lose the hunger for victories. Last season is over; you have to maintain the desire to make history, to win titles, to improve. We always want to learn and win.
What was it like playing against Woltemade in Germany? What will it be like tomorrow?
There are some very difficult opponents, and they’re one of them. We need to be very careful; we’ve seen how Newcastle plays, very well with the ball and often getting in behind their defense. We have to figure out how to limit their strengths. It will be a special match, as we need to secure qualification.
