Lucas Hernandez, Paris Saint-Germain’s 28-year-old defender, spoke to PSG TV after the 0-3 victory over RB Salzburg on Tuesday at the Red Bull Arena as part of matchday 6 of the Champions League 2024-2025 league phase. He spoke of a vital win, the next stage of the campaign and his return to competitive action following his injury at the end of last season.
Hernandez “there’s an atmosphere, a desire to keep growing”
“We knew the importance of this match, an almost decisive match for us, in this Champions League journey. We’ve been there from the start, and we know we’ve still got two finals to play. This is the beginning. I have confidence in this team and the players we have.
I see them in matches and in training every day, and even if the results aren’t in our favor at times, there’s an atmosphere, a desire to keep growing, to keep improving every day. We scored three goals today, but we could have scored more. I think this is the way forward.”
Hernandez “Mentally, I was aware of the road I had to travel to come back”.
“My debut? I was happy, very proud to be able to get back on the pitch, it’s been a long road, and not an easy one. But I knew from the very first day after my operation that I was going to come back quickly, and above all stronger than before. Mentally, I was aware of the road I had to travel to get back on the pitch.
Today, I was lucky enough to be able to play again for a few minutes. A lot of hard work went into it, with all the physiotherapists, doctors and staff who helped me get back on the pitch. Frankly, I’m very proud and happy. It’s also thanks in part to my family, who have always been close to me throughout all this.”
It’s never easy for a footballer to suffer a major injury. Over and above the physical aspect, which will inevitably have an impact on the player’s future, it’s always mentally difficult to cope with a period like this. Lucas Hernandez was in top form at the time of his injury, and in these conditions it’s even harder to take.
But he has shown his strength of character in the past. Back on the pitch this Tuesday for the win over Salzburg, we can only hope for a string of minutes of play for the Tricolor international. The former Bayern Munich man played his part in this fine victory, which is vital if we are to stay alive in this Champions League group.
We now have to hope for a series of victories for this Parisian team, so that they can be at 100% when they take on Manchester City on January 22.
