On Tuesday, in the first leg of the Champions League 2024-2025 semi-final (return on May 7), Paris Saint-Germain take on Arsenal at Emirates Stadium (kick-off 9pm, CET). On the eve of this encounter, Parisian midfielder Vitinha (25) answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Vitinha “I’m doing everything I can to be at my best, so I’m not worried.”
Since the defeat at Villa Park, you’ve seemed less strong personally. Are you tired?
It’s true that you could say I’m a bit worse. But I’m not worried. It happens sometimes, it’s human. I’m doing everything I can to be at my best, so I’m not worried.
Did last year’s semi-final help you learn for this year?
It’s difficult to say anything specific. We’ve already been to the semi-finals, but unfortunately we didn’t make the final. But that gives us experience. Maybe we’ll be able to manage certain moments. I hope that’s the case and that we’ll have a different ending.
How do you explain the poor performance?
I don’t think he mentioned fatigue. Above all, we mustn’t think about it too much. We’re all human. Sometimes you’re at your best, sometimes you’re not. I’m doing everything I can to be 100% tomorrow.
Vitinha “there will be different things. We want to win tomorrow.”
Arsenal outclassed you in October, do you use that match from the preparation?
That was a long time ago, a lot has happened, there are a lot of games. It’s obviously a different match. Of course, we’re going to try to get a different result. We’re not going to change the way we play. But things will be different. We want to win tomorrow.
What’s the team’s state of mind after losing their unbeaten run in Ligue 1 and being less imperious?
It’s an LDC semi-final, and it’s everyone’s dream to play this match. We’re ready, 1000% ready. We’re not thinking about Nantes or Nice. We didn’t want that, but that’s in the past. We’re concentrating on getting a win tomorrow.
Vitinha: “We’re not the same team we were in October”.
What did you learn from the defeat in October?
It’s going to be different. We don’t know what’s going to happen. We’ll be more ready, more prepared. With all our games, we’ve evolved a lot. We’re not the same team we were in October.
What’s the difference this time with Dembélé?
He’s a vital, incredible player. It’s always better to have him. He’s going to give everything to help us and we’ll do everything we can to help him..
Vitinha “As you said about Liverpool, we managed to get through.”
Is this high-intensity midfield a fear of yours? Do you have the confidence to answer?
I’ve already answered this type of question. It’s always the same thing. I don’t see any problem with our environment. As you said with Liverpool, we got through. With Aston Villa, we made it at home but not there. It’s always different. We’re going to do everything we can to win tomorrow. We know that helps the team to win.
Are Arsenal favourites tomorrow? Is PSG better off as outsiders?
There are no favourites. We’re away from home, and that can lead to something different. But I don’t see any favourites for this semi-final.
Vitinha “The confidence he gives us raises our level.”
You’ve changed dimension with Luis Enrique, what does he bring?
I’ve already had the opportunity to talk about it many times, but no problem. He’s helped me tactically. I always had the impression that it was better to run around, but that’s not the case. On a human level, he’s incredible. The confidence he gives us raises our level.
What kind of leader is Dembélé? Does he talk a lot?
He’s a leader by example. The way he’s 100% offensively and defensively, it makes you want to give more. It’s an incredible form of leadership. In the dressing room, everyone knows him and finds him funny. No player dislikes him.
Vitinha: “We also have good numbers.
What’s the difference on a match like this between having Doué or Barcola with you?
I think they have different characteristics. It’s up to the coach to decide whether they play together, or not, or one. But they’re important to us.
Have you been working on your set-pieces?
We’re going to talk about that today, tomorrow. We know they’re very strong in this area. But we also have good numbers. We’ll do what we can offensively and defensively.
Vitinha “It’s a very important aspect.”
What match tomorrow? How have you progressed since October?
I’m expecting a very tough match for both teams, which can come down to small details. But we’re going to try to make sure we don’t make the mistakes and push Arsenal to do it.
They’re a good team, just like in October. They have a great team spirit. That’s their main characteristic, more than individuality, even though they have some great players. Whether it’s defensively or offensively, they’re all together. And so are we.
Do you talk to each other to manage emotions?
That’s a very important aspect in this type of match. It’s important to keep a cool head and manage things properly. We talk about it before the match, at half-time and at the end. It’s a very important aspect, given the pressure.
Vitinha “we’ll be able to hold our heads high and be proud.”
Do you know that if you give 400%, you’ll qualify?
I’m sure that if we give everything we’ve got, we’ll be able to hold our heads high and be proud. I hope it will be with qualification. We promise the fans that we’ll give it our all.
Your time at Wolverhampton was difficult, was it positive or negative?
I don’t think I saw it as positive at the time. When you’re young, you always want to play and be at your best. But it was incredible. It was positive and incredible. I developed on the pitch and in a human way. It also allowed me to be there. I wouldn’t take it off if I could.
