On Tuesday, in the first leg of their 2025-2026 Champions League playoff (the second leg is on Wednesday, February 25), Paris Saint-Germain (2nd in Ligue 1) will face AS Monaco (8th) at the Stade Louis II (kick-off at 9 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG midfielder João Neves (21 years old) answered several questions at a press conference.
Neves: “He wants to build on what we achieved last season.”
Can Dembélé’s words after the defeat in Rennes provide a boost?
The atmosphere in this team is good. The group is doing well, Ousmane did speak. He wants to build on what we achieved last season. That’s our approach. He wanted to strengthen that aspect of the team. I believe we’re ready for tomorrow’s match.
Neves: “We’ll play the same way.”
Can you tell us what happened in the locker room after the defeat against Rennes?
A team doesn’t like to lose a match, but it happens. Teams want to win. We know we didn’t play badly. But sometimes, we lose. We’ll play the same way, as a team, pressing high. That’s how we play. We’ll do it again tomorrow to get the win.
Neves: “We have many leaders, Marquinhos is the greatest.”
What makes Marquinhos a good captain?
I think we have many leaders, Marquinhos is the greatest. He’s an incredible person, an incredible captain and player. He gives us the confidence to play without problems, to take risks. He never lets the team relax. He’s a good leader. He’s always there for us, for PSG. Everyone knows that. Whether he plays or not, he’s always the same person. He’s a leader.
Did Marquinhos do anything for you when you first arrived at the club?
Of course, he tried, like all the players, to make me feel fully part of the group, as if I’d been there for a long time. Like we do today with Dro. Marquinhos is the best example. He’s always the same person, whether he knows people or not.
Neves: “There’s no pressure, it’s just one match, we have to play our game.”
It’s strange to face a team from the same country in the Champions League. Elimination would be a real disappointment. Is it hard to play freely under pressure?
There’s no pressure, it’s just one match, we have to play our game. There are positives and negatives to consider for facing Monaco; we know each other. We’ll play to have the ball and win it back quickly when we lose it.
How do you explain the lack of efficiency?
We’re training on this, we did it this week. When it comes back, the results will change. But I think that even if we don’t have it, we’re playing very well. And by playing very well, we’re very close to winning.
Neves: “I feel 100%, I’m ready. Whether I play or not depends on the coach.”
How have you been since returning from injury? Are you at 100%?
I feel 100%, I’m ready. Whether I play or not depends on the coach.
The coach said the upcoming matches are particularly important? Could they change the season?
The coach said that, which is normal because it’s a special time of year, it’s the end of the competition. It will be a good match against Monaco. They play very well, they’re a great club. But it depends on us, on how we play tomorrow.
Is the shoulder pain gone?
No, I’m 100% ready to play.
