Paris Saint-Germain secured a 0-6 victory against Villarreal this Tuesday at the Estadio de la Cerámica, as part of the fourth matchday of the 2026-2027 Champions League league phase. Following the win, PSG midfielder João Neves (22) spoke to the press in the mixed zone.
Neves: “The hardest part isn’t reaching 4-0”
Was this a special match for PSG?
Before I begin, I’d like to say a few words for Jesus de Miguel, who played for Tenerife. Our thoughts are with his family, his teammates, and the club. As for the match, we started very well and capitalized on the mistakes they made. It’s always the little details that count, and we took full advantage. That said, there are still things we need to improve.
We lost some easy balls—mistakes we shouldn’t be making. We shouldn’t be handing gifts to our opponents. Of course, at 4-0, you might try a few different things. But ultimately, the hardest part isn’t getting to 4-0; it’s maintaining the right attitude and quality of play right up until the final minute. I think we did that well.
Neves: “If you don’t run—even if you’ve won two Champions League titles—you don’t play.”
Do you strike fear into your opponents?
No, I don’t get that sense. That’s not it. We demonstrate on the pitch that we want to play with the ball. We run everywhere, and we aim to defend as effectively as possible. When you don’t have much space to play, things get tougher—which is why we press high. And when we have the ball, you know the quality we possess and what we’re trying to achieve.
You have already won two Champions League titles; how is it that this group remains so hungry, even in the 85th minute?
It’s all about the mentality. Besides, if you don’t run just because you’ve won two Champions League titles, then you don’t play. You have to put in the effort for the team and for your teammates. It’s the little details that count. We are a true team. Maintaining that level of quality and mentality is even harder than winning two Champions League titles—but that’s exactly what we’re doing. Still, it’s a long season. Last year, we weren’t in the top eight after our first three wins; this year, we’re going to try to achieve that.
Neves: “It’s an incredible thing.”
His first Champions League match and his first goal—did you tease him a bit?
It’s always a happy moment for us to see young players—well, I’m young too, but he’s even younger (smiles). It’s a wonderful moment for him and his family. We congratulated him. It’s an incredible thing; I hope he keeps going like this—with that same intensity and mentality—and that he enjoys every single moment he gets.
