Mika Godts, the 21-year-old Belgian forward who joined Paris Saint-Germain this summer from Ajax Amsterdam, spoke to the newspaper La Dernière Heure in an interview published this Monday. It was an opportunity for the Belgian international to discuss the competition for places—both with the national team and at PSG—as well as his adaptation to his new club.
Godts: “I have time, I have time. The coach and the club believe in me.”
Tough competition at club and international levels?
I’m ready to face any competition. That’s part of the reason I took this step up this summer. Being at a big club helps; that’s the nature of top-level football.
A difficult adjustment period with no starts yet?
I have time, I have time. The coach and the club believe in me. They signed me, so that’s only natural. The team is great; they’re helping me a lot. The players are helping me a lot, too. I’m calm. I’m trying to play at a high level and do my best. It’s going very well.
Godts: “I can see my level rising significantly alongside players like these.”
I don’t feel any pressure; the club believes in me, and my teammates are really helping me settle in. I’m very calm and just trying to do the best I can. They’re all very relaxed and helpful, and I can see my level rising significantly alongside players like these. It’s always different when you play for a big European club. But I try to stay humble, keep my feet on the ground, and work hard.”
Could the performance against Italy help you earn a starting spot at PSG?
I don’t view that match in those terms. PSG believes in me, and I’m being given time to work. The squad is a huge help, and I can feel my game improving. The standard of training is very high.
Learning the defensive side of the game in Paris?
Yes, I’m learning a lot in that area. It’s important to him [Luis Enrique].
While some media outlets and observers have already begun to voice doubts and concerns regarding Godts, the player himself remains remarkably calm. He has just gone through a major transfer, marking a new chapter in a different country and a vastly different environment—not to mention adapting to a specific playing philosophy.
It is only natural to need time to fully find one’s feet. Ferran Torres (the 26-year-old forward) has managed to make a decisive impact, but he is something of an exception—especially given that he had already played under coach Luis Enrique with the Spanish national team. Godts has a lot to take in and needs to progress steadily.
Crucially, he has the backing of the club and his coach, who didn’t sign him by accident. The Belgian needs to keep that in mind, rather than focusing on the impatience of those around him. Godts seems to have the right mindset, balancing confidence with humility.
