Marquinhos, Paris Saint-Germain’s 30-year-old central defender and captain, spoke to beIN SPORTS after the 2-4 victory over Dunkerque (video highlights Dunkerque/PSG) on Tuesday at Stade Pierre Mauroy in the Coupe de France 2024-2025 semi-finals.
Marquinhos “This match helps us work on courage, it helps us work on intensity”.
Even in difficulty, PSG are strong.
It’s true, we were expecting a tough match. We didn’t want to take a goal at the start of the game because we know that in the beginning it’s very important. We need to work on important things for the end of the season. This match helps us work on our courage, it helps us work on our intensity to get this result.
They were a very courageous Dunkirk team, and they managed to perform well on details in the first half. They scored from free-kicks and were very effective. We’re very happy with the result at the end of the game, because we had the courage to go out and get it.
Marquinhos “The team is the way it is thanks in large part to him.”
How do you feel about the group?
When you start a season, you want to finish like this. We’re on a really good run in the league, and the French Cup final and Champions League quarter-final are as good as it gets. It’s the best end to a season, and we mustn’t let up because these are the two most decisive months of the season.
Every player dreams of being here. We’re in a good work dynamic, and even when things get tough, we don’t change a thing. We always want more, and that’s the idea the coach has passed on to us since he arrived. The team is the way it is thanks in large part to him.
Marquinhos “It makes us happy to see him like this.”
Is Dembélé on form?
Yes, he’s found the back of the net. We’re delighted to see him like this. We know that quality, he’s closer to the goal today, he played a bit more on the flank but in the end he still scored. When you find your way, you have to keep going, and he’s got a great mentality. He keeps on working, if someone on the pitch puts in a lot of effort, he’s rewarded.
