Ousmane Dembélé, Paris Saint-Germain’s 27-year-old striker, spoke in the mixed zone after the penalty shoot-out victory (1-1 on aggregate, then 1-4 on penalties) over Liverpool (Liverpool/PSG video highlights) this Tuesday at Anfield in the second leg of the Champions League 2024-2025 Round of 16. The 26-year-old goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, put in a fine performance to help his side qualify for the last eight.
Dembélé “We kept our heads down for a long time.”
A very special moment?
It’s an exceptional qualification. I’d seen a few photos of March 11 for PSG, a date that was marked throughout the club. To do it again on March 11 is exceptional. The first leg showed us a lot of things, that we could put Liverpool in danger. But then we lost 0-1.
Now we’re coming here to Anfield, and it’s obviously a difficult pitch. We have to give it our all and have no regrets. You’ve got to let it all go, and we did, especially as we scored so quickly. That gives us even more confidence.
A period of suffering?
We had our backs to the wall for a long time, because they had situations where they could score. I think that in the PL, in another match, Salah or Nuñez could score. But that’s how it is, soccer is unfair.
Dembélé “These are great Champions League matches.”
A great European night?
It reminds me of last year when we went to Barcelona for a bit, when we were behind and we had to bring everything back. These are great Champions League games. Especially in a stadium like this, against a Premier League team – they’re playing a final against Newcastle on Sunday. They’re a big team, and to get them out here… We did everything we could to get them out, and it paid off.
Dembélé “Donnarumma is an exceptional goalkeeper.”
Donnarumma’s performance?
Donnarumma is an exceptional keeper. He showed it with Italy, with PSG, he was best player at the Euro. He’s an exceptional goalkeeper. The best for him is yet to come. We counted on him today, and he was there. He has the full confidence of the club, the staff and the players.
