This Tuesday at 9 p.m. (CET), Paris Saint-Germain (2nd in Ligue 1) faces AS Monaco (8th) at the Stade Louis II in the first leg of their 2025-2026 Champions League playoff (the second leg is on Wednesday, February 25). In a press conference, Monaco midfielder Denis Zakaria (29 years old) spoke about the upcoming match and their Parisian opponent.
Zakaria: “We’re going to do everything we can to win.”
A psychological advantage from the victory in December, as well as this weekend’s results?
No, not at all. It’s a different match, it’s the Champions League. They’ll come with the intention of winning. It won’t be an easy match. It’s up to us to play a great game tomorrow.
Is it a good thing to face a PSG team we know very well? Or is it more difficult?
It’s hard to say. We know PSG well, but whether that’s a good thing or not, I don’t know. In any case, we’re taking the match seriously, regardless of the opponent. We’re going to do everything we can to win.
Zakaria: “They’ll come determined, with the desire to win.”
As a player, can seeing the opposing vice-captain call for teamwork re-energize you and give you more grit?
I don’t know if it can give them more grit, but it’s certain that after a defeat, a team wants to react, to show something different. They’ll come determined, with the desire to win. It’s up to us to play a great match and be ready.
Beyond tomorrow’s match, is playing defensively something you’re considering for the future?
It’s not something I’m thinking about right now (smiles). I do it gladly if it helps the team, but I haven’t thought about it in the long term.
Have you been feeling more comfortable in defense than in midfield lately?
Not necessarily, I think I’ve also had some very good matches in midfield. It’s true that the last few matches have been positive in defense. I’ll play with pleasure; the important thing is the team.
Zakaria: “We know that if we’re not at 100%, if we don’t play a perfect match, it will be difficult.”
How do you explain Monaco’s recent improvement?
I think it’s largely due to this desire not to concede goals. We’ve conceded a lot, so it’s important to focus on defending better. We have to keep going like this, and we’ll score goals.
Does two consecutive home wins give you even more confidence?
Wins definitely give you confidence, so yes. However, we know we have a great opponent ahead of us, and it will be difficult. We know that if we’re not at 100%, if we don’t play a perfect game, it will be difficult. It’s up to us to give our best.
How has Simon Adingra been since his arrival?
We’ve tried to integrate him as best we can; he’s a great player. He’s a very impactful player, and we’ll need him all season. He’s going to help us a lot.
