On Tuesday, as part of Matchday 5 of the 2024-2025 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (25th) take on Bayern Munich (17th) at the Allianz Arena (kick-off 9pm, broadcast on Canal+Foot in France). On the eve of this encounter, Parisian midfielder Vitinha (24) answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Vitinha “that’s our philosophy, always, we come to win.”
Any motivation to get back on track against Bayern after losing to Atlético?
It’s the greatest motivation to play a Champions League match, even more so against a great team. It doesn’t get any bigger than that. Whether we’ve lost or not. Playing these matches is a dream for everyone. The motivation is incredibly high.
Is it a form of pressure? Can it be positive?
Yes, you have to take the positives out of pressure. We know we have to win, even if the match isn’t decisive, because if we lose we’re not eliminated.
But that’s our philosophy: we always come to win. We never come to wait. We want to win.
Vitinha “He wants to play, we’re going to help him with his comeback.”
What state of mind is Ramos in?
He’s very happy, it’s been a long time for him. It’s the same for all the players who’ve been away for so long. He’s keen to play and we’re going to help him make his comeback.
You arrived in a PSG of stars, and now the project revolves around the coach, in the words of the president. Can you feel it?
Yes, we can see it in the coach’s and the president’s speeches. We’ve also got the PSG Campus, so when you see all that, you can see where the project’s going. I particularly like it. The team is well connected with it.
Vitinha “it’s not just a job for strikers.”
How can your experience help Barcola break free?
It goes quickly, I’m now a player with experience (laughs), no longer a youngster.
But that’s not a question. It’s not a worry for Bradley. Of course, he wants to score more. But it’s not just a job for the strikers, it’s for everyone. Against Toulouse, the midfielders and defenders scored and that made the difference. It could do the same tomorrow. But if he scores, I’m happy too.
Vitinha “We’re all happy for him”.
Kimpembe is also back in the squad, what does he represent?
He’s experienced (laughs). We’re very happy for him, he’s been out for a very long time. I can only imagine what it’s like for him, and we’re very happy for him. I’m sending a message of strength to him. The worst is over, he’s got to enjoy himself now. We’re all happy for him.
Vitinha “If we follow the coach’s plan and give it our all, I’m sure we’ll have a very positive result.”
How do you see Bayern? What are their strong points?
We know we’re up against a great team with world-class players. They haven’t conceded a goal in quite a few games. We know what kind of team they are.
They’re one of the best pressing teams around, and they’re going to want to do that tomorrow. We’ll try to thwart them, study the plan and talk. If we follow the coach’s plan and give it our all, I’m sure we’ll get a very positive result.
What has Luis Enrique brought you?
He’s really given me a lot, he’s taken me to another level. Now the challenge is to prove that it wasn’t just one year. I’m giving it my all.
Vitinha “Everyone knows we’re a great team.”
With PSG in 25th place, do you think you’re still a threat, especially to Bayern?
I’m sure they have a lot of respect for us. Everyone knows that we’re a great team, that we have a great coach and that we can do some damage in this competition.
How do you see Safonov’s rise to prominence?
He played well and we’re happy about that. If all the players are in the competition, they’re very attentive and active, and that’s good. After that, it’s not up to me to decide who plays between Gigio, Arnau or Matvey.
Vitinha “I can’t think of any reason why I shouldn’t stay for a long time.”
An extension close to PSG? What does it mean?
I can say that I’m really in Paris, I feel good, and so does my family. I love this club. I like this type of project, I like the direction the club is taking. I can’t think of any reason not to stay for a long time.
