Paris Saint-Germain took on Chelsea this Sunday in the Club World Cup (3-0 highlights Chelsea/PSG). Speaking to PSG TV, Marquinhos, the 31-year-old defender and captain of the Paris team, spoke of the defeat.
Marquinhos “We’re frustrated, but that doesn’t take anything away from this incredible season”
“It’s always difficult to lose a final. It’s the match not to lose. But if I look back, we still had a crazy World Cup. We played against very high-level teams and beat them to reach the final. We’d had an excellent run so far. It’s a shame we didn’t manage to be effective in the match we shouldn’t have lost. I think that’s what we lacked.
We were below our usual level and below what we can do. We have to be clear with ourselves and improve for next season, even though we had an incredible season with a historic title and national titles. But it’s a shame, because we really wanted to win this new title, as it’s the first in this format. We’re frustrated, but that doesn’t take anything away from this incredible season.”
Marquinhos “I’ll remember this season for the rest of my life.”
“Thanks to all the fans, they’ve been incredible throughout the season. They’re the MVPs of the season, the best at home and away, and even here in the States. We saw them everywhere we went, they were everywhere! The most beautiful things this season are the joy and love we received throughout the season.
I think a lot of kids have started to admire the style, the game, the desire and the love we give out on the pitch. The love the fans give us off the pitch too. I think a lot of people have started to respect PSG, which is increasingly admired, and that’s really pleasing. I’ll remember this season for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, we didn’t win the title, but it was an incredible season.”
An incredible season for PSG, of course, having just won the Champions League for the first time in their history. The culture of the moment will make many spectators forget this feat, but the club from the capital still remains on the roof of Europe.
Having been on a European mission since January, it’s obvious that the Parisians couldn’t arrive at 100% seven months later, for this Club World Cup. Fatigue, Pacho’s suspension for this final, the one day’s rest – all these factors had an impact on the final.
But all in all, there’s nothing to regret for PSG, who have already made their mark on the history of the game and put in an XXL season. It just goes to show that this team is still a work in progress and has its flaws. We’ll now have to work on strengthening certain positions and resting up to reach 100% for the European Supercup against Tottenham on August 13.
