Warren Zaïre-Emery, the 19-year-old midfielder who came through the Paris Saint-Germain youth system and is under contract until 2029, spoke to PSG TV in an interview broadcast this Thursday evening. He discussed his place at PSG, his role model, coach Luis Enrique, the current season, and the upcoming Classico against Olympique de Marseille this Sunday (Ligue 1 Matchday 21).
Warren Zaïre-Emery: “It’s first and foremost a source of pride and confidence.”
What does it mean to you to have played over 100 matches in a PSG shirt?
“It’s first and foremost a source of pride and confidence. It also shows that the club wants to trust young players. I’m very happy and I hope to play many more.”
Do you realize what a role model you can be for this generation?
“It’s unintentional.” When I arrived, Kimpembe was always there to give us advice. I even watched him a lot to learn, and that’s what young players should do. It’s the best thing. You learn just by watching.
On August 6, 2022, you replaced Marco Verratti; it was your first time. Do you have a clear memory of it?
“Yes, I just wanted to get my first touches of the ball. I was carefree. I wanted to enjoy myself.”
Warren Zaïre-Emery: “People always think we should win 3-4-0.”
What do you like about the French Ligue 1 championship?
“People always think we should win 3-4-0, but that’s never the case. We always have to give everything; there are no easy matches. There’s always a lot of intensity, a lot of duels. What we did last year and this year is magnificent.” “We mustn’t downplay it.”
You’ve started 18 Ligue 1 matches this season, how do you maintain this consistency?
“I always prepare the same way. I always try to play matches with as much energy and intensity as possible. That’s what I lacked last season: intensity and impact in duels. I’ve managed to analyze and improve. I’ve regained that confidence, and that makes the difference. I’m really enjoying it. I try to approach every match the same way. We have the best training center, the best physiotherapists. I’m not feeling tired at the moment, and I hope to continue like this.”
Warren Zaïre-Emery: “The coach has always been there for the players.”
Have these different positional changes taught you more?
“Playing at full-back, I learned how to position myself on the defensive line.” “Getting out at the right time and working on my cardio, because it’s very different from midfield. The runs are much higher intensity.”
What does the coach’s confidence mean to you?
“The coach has always been there for the players. I remember last season, when things were a bit tougher, he never gave up on me. He gave me advice. Today, I’m confident, I’m doing well. He wants the best from me. He’s never satisfied, he’s always behind everyone. He’s an extraordinary coach.”
Warren Zaïre-Emery: “It feels good to enjoy myself on the pitch.”
How do you handle the off days?
“They’re difficult times, but you learn a lot about yourself during them. Now, I prefer to be told I’m not doing well, because it pushes me to improve. The opposite made me slack off. Honestly, I’m doing well today.” It feels good to enjoy myself on the pitch.
With the upcoming match against Olympique de Marseille, are you approaching it differently?
“As a Marseille native, it’s always different. Of course, we always want to beat them. We’ll give everything to win. Every season, the fans come the day before Le Classique, and it gives us so much strength. They push us to win. We also want to repay them for everything they give us throughout the season.”
