On Saturday, in the final of the Champions League 2024-2025, Paris Saint-Germain take on Inter Milan at Munich’s Allianz Arena (kick-off 9pm, CET). Ahead of the match, Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella (28) answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Barella “our strength is our team, our unity, it’s not the middle or the attack.”
“What’s the squad like?
We’re ready, we’re motivated, we have a lot of respect for our opponents, but we’re going to try to put in a great performance. After the season we’ve just had, we deserve to win this final.
Is the Parisian midfield a big challenge?
It’s an exceptional line-up, but it’s not just the midfielders, otherwise Paris wouldn’t be in the final. But our strength is our team, our unity, it’s not the midfield or the attack. To do what we did against Barcelona (3-3; 4-3 a.p. in the semi-finals), you need real cohesion, and this Saturday we’re going to try to show what we can do as a team.
Barella: “We’ll try to make the details work in our favor.
Is it a dream to come back and win the title this time?
Yes, it’s a dream come true. A Champions League final is a dream for any child. Last time, against City, we pulled out all the stops but lost some feathers. This time, we’re going to try and make the details work in our favor, because the devil is in the details…
Barella “we discussed everything, the family, the Italian national team, but not the match.”
The yellow jersey?
We had a discussion, and we opted for yellow. It’s a shirt we like, it’s as simple as that, and I hope it brings us luck.
Donnarumma?
We spoke yesterday (Thursday) but we talked about everything, the family, the Italian national team, but not the match. I have a very good relationship with him, he’s a friend, but I hope he’ll take it easy tomorrow…”, comments relayed by L’Equipe.
We can understand Barella’s feeling and his optimism. We have the same on the PSG side, and it’s logical. Each team deserves its place in this final, of course, and has built up confidence along the way.
There have been some great opponents, and some memorable evenings that demonstrate a certain collective strength. Paris gave us some great emotions, and the Interists were also served. Just look at the quarter-final and semi-final matches against Bayern Munich and then FC Barcelona, against whom we had to equalize late in the game to snatch qualification in extra time.
Inter would make a fine winner, but the Parisians also have a strong case and the desire to make history. We can only expect a great soccer match. Both teams are used to high intensity, so there should be no time for boredom.
Everyone has their arguments, and the midfield will be very important. But Barella rightly points out that it’s not all about the midfield. Every player counts, and every detail too. It’s a big match that can quickly go crazy.
Let’s hope PSG know how to approach it, so as to turn those famous details in their favor. No doubt friendships will be put to one side for the duration of the match. It’s also wise not to talk too much about the match beforehand. As for the post-match bickering, we’ll probably have to wait a little longer.
