Fabian Ruiz, 28-year-old midfielder at Paris Saint-Germain since the summer of 2022 following his transfer from Napoli, spoke to Movistar. He talked about his difficult adaptation to PSG, the evolution of the team with the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, Neymar and Lionel Messi, and coach Luis Enrique.
Ruiz “we’re a more united team.”
“It was difficult for me to adapt, especially with the climate. The teams are very physical and fast, and that’s the difference here in France. The League isn’t very well known, but when you arrive here, you realize how difficult it is.
The club has been winning for a few years now, but there’s still one thorn in its side: the Champions League. It’s a very tough competition against the best teams in Europe. Last year, we came very close to reaching the final. Our aim is to make history with PSG.
Mbappé, Messi and Neymar?
To be able to enjoy the three of them together was something unimaginable, unique. It didn’t seem real. All three of them are gone now, and we don’t have any global stars, but we are a more united team.
Ruiz “You have to be focused and progress every day throughout the season, otherwise he won’t accept anyone.”
Luis Enrique ?
He’s a great teacher. He doesn’t let you slacken off for even a second. In the end, I think that’s to be applauded. You have to be focused and progress every day throughout the season, otherwise he won’t accept anyone.”
Getting into Ligue 1 is far from easy, and we’ve seen some great players struggle. It’s a reminder, because it’s often forgotten, that there are real qualities in this championship. Great talents go on to shine in other championships. You have to play at a high level to shine in France.
There are certain physical qualities that pose a problem, but we mustn’t forget technique and tactics. PSG often have the upper hand, but that’s because they’re a great team. When things went wrong, it quickly became apparent.
For example, the likes of Mbappé, Neymar and Messi haven’t been able to get away with it in every game. There were plenty of goals, but also complicated individual performances and defeats. Today, Paris more regularly has a real collective strength and is becoming very difficult to stop. It’s also worth pointing out that the group’s individuals are expressing themselves better overall, like Vitinha or Fabian Ruiz.
This is one of the great successes of the project relaunched by coach Luis Enrique, which puts the team first. This involves effort, attacking choices, competition… It’s all part of forming a real team that helps players to express themselves. We can only hope that this continues for a long time to come.
