On Wednesday, aspart of Matchday 4 of the 2024-2025 Champions League phase, Paris Saint-Germain (19th) take on Atlético de Madrid (27th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off 9pm, broadcast on Canal+ in France). On the eve of the match, Paris defender Willian Pacho answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Pacho “No matter who plays tomorrow, he’ll do his best.”
How is the Champions League situation perceived within the group?
Honestly, in this format there are things we don’t know yet. But we’re working with the team to do our best. Just like in Ligue 1. We try to stick to our idea of the game.
Which goalkeeper are you most comfortable with? What’s the difference between Donnarumma and Safonov?
I feel very comfortable with both of them, they’re both great goalkeepers. No matter who plays tomorrow, he’ll do his best. That’s the case for everyone.
Pacho “He helps me learn and develop.”
Is PSG playing for qualification tomorrow?
No, I think we’re taking it one game at a time. Tomorrow it’s at home and 3 points are important. But we’ll have to wait and see how things pan out in terms of qualification.
You often line up with Marquinhos, what have you learned from him?
Marquinhos is an incredible person. On a daily basis, the way he trains, the way he talks to us, helps us. He’s been helping me since I arrived. It’s incredible how he works on a daily basis, knows the profiles, covers the spaces. He helps me learn and develop.
Pacho “He’s always talking about crucial details that I couldn’t see.”
What’s needed for a good result tomorrow?
I think it’s going to be a great game, so we’ll have to be very patient. We’re working hard, we need to follow our game plan and get the 3 points.
How did you expect the integration to go?
I always think positively, so I can contribute as much as possible. I came here because people believe in me. I know that what they’ve told me here helps me to grow, to contribute even more to the team. It helps me to have that confidence.
Any innovative ideas from Luis Enrique that have surprised you in training?
For example, one of the things I like is the way he talks, the way he transmits. Whether it’s about the positive or what needs to be improved. He says it in a positive way, he explains how to be a good player. He’s always talking about crucial details that I couldn’t see.
Pacho “Every match has its plan, which is prepared.”
How do you deal with the fact that you have very attacking full-backs?
Every match has its own prepared plan, to see whether the flankers will be higher or lower. We know very well how we’re going to play, and the spaces we need to cover. We can organize ourselves with the midfielders. The way we change places allows us to cover.
How do you deal with the pressure of this match?
We’ve been working all week to stay calm. We’ve had a great week, and we’ve been working on our confidence. We’re working to improve and win. For tomorrow’s game, it will be very important. But like all games. We need to take the 3 points at home. Our work gives us confidence.
Pacho “we have to trust the coach to take the 3 points.”
In what areas have you made progress at PSG? And in what areas do you think you’ll have to improve in Paris?
I’ve improved my duels, so I don’t make mistakes and I can get the ball back cleanly. But I still have a lot of room for improvement. I’m trying to learn from great players like Marquinhos. I’d also like to contribute more offensively, like scoring goals from corners. That’s what I’m working towards every day.
How do you see Atlético?
They’re a great club, one of the best in the world. They’re good in La Liga, a little less so in the Champions League. We’ve prepared ourselves by seeing the things we can take advantage of. We’ve worked as a group and we have to trust the coach to take the 3 points.
Is mental strength really important for you?
Yes, where I come from it hasn’t always been easy. I’ve learned to strengthen myself. That’s helped me cope with the games. I try to improve every day, every match. Tomorrow’s a crucial match and we have to do our best to win. It’s important for the team.
Pacho “I know that you always have to be ready to help the team.”
How do you deal with the competition on a daily basis?
I’m very relaxed. It’s always good when there are great players, it helps you grow. When there’s healthy competition, there’s no problem. The more great players there are, the more you can help the team. I know that you always have to be ready to help the team.
Doesn’t PSG look the same in Ligue 1 as they do in the Champions League? Can you explain?
The Champions League isn’t played as regularly, so there aren’t 2 faces. We always play the same way. Unfortunately, we didn’t always get the result we wanted. There are details to correct, but we’re continuing to move forward, to work. And I’m sure that, little by little, we’ll get the results we want.
