Paris Saint-Germain hosted Lille on Saturday as part of Ligue 1’s 24th round of matches (4-1 PSG/Lille video highlights). Speaking to Free Ligue 1, Marquinhos, PSG’s 30-year-old captain and defender, spoke about the match and the upcoming Champions League Round of 8 first leg against Liverpool on Wednesday.
Marquinhos “now the moment arrives and we have to concentrate.”
Was it the right dress rehearsal before the Liverpool game?
“Yes, it’s a bit of an ideal context to prepare for the match that awaits us against Liverpool. Of course, victory also brings a good atmosphere to the club and the team. We’re gaining experience, and now the time has come to concentrate.”
You’re the experienced one on this team, what are you going to say to these young players?
“It’s true, I often say that I’m aging too fast. As the coach says, you can’t prepare 2-3 days in advance. You have to prepare day by day. That’s why we saw the intensity and commitment we showed tonight. I think that’s how you prepare, with hard work. There’s not much to change.”
Marquinhos “We won’t be eliminated because of fear.”
The strength you have this year is the group and no longer the individualities?
“Yes, the collective is very strong. The coach said he wanted to focus on that at the start of the season. Today, with the philosophy we have and the commitment we put in, it wasn’t an easy job, but we can see the results today. Especially in defence, when you see everyone running, pressing and making the effort. It’s the coach who gives us this mentality.”
What are Liverpool’s weak points to build on?
“I think the main thing is to focus on our strengths. Every match has its own story. We have to rely on our collective strength. If we’re strong, we’ve got the qualities to hurt people. We won’t be eliminated because of fear, we have to play with personality and our qualities.”
