Marquinhos, the 32-year-old central defender and captain of Paris Saint-Germain, held a press conference after joining the Brazilian national team to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. He was asked to discuss the keys to success in the Champions League, as well as those for the World Cup, in which his team has high ambitions. The heat was a prominent theme in the Brazilian’s remarks.
Marquinhos: “I think it’s an advantage to have players who have overcome these difficult times.”
There are many philosophies, many paths to success, and football proves that it is a team sport. We need all the players, all the athletes, to be in top physical and mental shape. That’s what we’ve focused on and prepared for. I also see many stories from former champions who have experienced periods of hardship, followed by periods of success.
I think it’s an advantage to have players who have been through these difficult times and who can bring that experience and motivation to those experiencing the World Cup for the first time. The goal is to build a connection with the players, but also to have peace of mind to work on tactics.
Marquinhos: “I think the pitch is the focal point of everything.”
But I believe our energy on the pitch also plays a crucial role. I’ve experienced difficult times here with the national team, and at club level as well. I think the pitch is the focal point of everything. It’s what we bring to it, our determination, the results.
I think that, based on our experience in the Club World Cup, the heat, fatigue, dehydration—all of that played a crucial role. For us, having reached the final, these factors influenced the results, and the experience gained, as well as the adjustments being made in training and preparation, will be important.
Marquinhos: “Chasing the game in this heat, especially given the state of the pitch, is even more grueling.”
The way the match unfolds will also be crucial… The team that scores first, with the lead, has a significant advantage, because chasing the game in this heat, especially considering the state of the pitch, is even more grueling. It’s an experience I had at the Club World Cup, and I try to talk about it with my teammates. It’s essential to stay focused. In recent matches against Real Madrid and Chelsea, the team that was leading had a significant advantage due to the heat and fatigue, and then chasing the game is very difficult.
There are many ways to play and win in football. You might prefer a particular strategy or a specific move. But the formulas are numerous. However, everything revolves around one essential point: the team. Players must think of the team first and foremost and be ready to make the effort together. This is the foundation for having opportunities, regardless of the strategy.
Even if, obviously, PSG’s strategy is pleasing. There’s energy, attacking play, pressing… Except that not everyone can do the same thing. Certain qualities are needed within the squad. This is even more difficult with the national team, with less time spent together.
There are still solutions to achieve great things. As Marquinhos points out, managing emotions and fatigue will also be crucial. Obviously, you have to avoid falling behind, but That’s always been somewhat the case. Concentration will be key, as it will be difficult to maintain in the expected high heat. Everything could change very quickly.
