On Sunday, as part of the Trophée des Champions 2024, Paris Saint-Germain will take on Monaco at Stadium 974 (kick-off 5.30pm, broadcast on DAZN). On the eve of the match, Parisian defender and captain Marquinhos (30) answered a number of questions at a press conference.
Marquinhos “We always want to improve.”
A revival against Monaco in December?
We were preparing for this match, which we knew would be very important. It will be a different story, we know that. But all the games since the Champions League have enabled us to see what we can improve on. We’re aware of what we can change. We always want to improve.
Marquinhos: “He brings grit to this very technical team.
What does Hernandez, a relatively young but experienced player, bring?
Yes, he’s an important player for the team. He’s got titles, important titles and experience. Even though he’s still young too (smiles), he brings a lot of grit to this very technical team. He’s a leader in the dressing room and on the pitch.
It hurt us to see his injury, but he’s worked hard since then. We’re very happy to see our team-mate back in good shape. He’s doing his utmost to get back to his best. The coach has confidence in him and it’s great to have him back.
Marquinhos “Having a great game tomorrow, bringing home the trophy, will give us courage for what’s to come.”
Paris 25th in the LDC, what are your ambitions for 2025?
It’s the most important moment of the season coming up in this 2nd half. Even if we’ve already played a lot of games, and that’s important. But the decisive moment is coming, and they’re ahead of us. It’s up to us, right now, as soon as we get back from vacation, to think about being very competitive.
It’s going to be very important to have the best possible team. All the matches will be very important, and there are already 7 in January. That all starts with tomorrow. Having a great game tomorrow, bringing home the trophy, will give us courage for the rest of the season.
Marquinhos: “We mustn’t let these good things stay off the pitch.
You’ve been in the group for 2 days now, does that also help with cohesion ?
Yes, it does. Trips like this, these moments together, eating together, making the journeys, it’s all part of the cohesion of the group. It’s very important.
With experience, you see things differently. The group really enjoyed the 2 days in Doha. It’s great to start the year like that. We mustn’t let these good things stay off the pitch.
Marquinhos “We know the importance of the match, on top of a final.”
A word about your match against Lee here at the World Cup?
Yes, I remember it. We could see that he was a great potential player for this team. We talked about the match when he arrived at PSG. We’d had a very good match with Brazil, and it was a very good moment for us. Less so for Korea. I’ve got good memories here, and now I hope to have more with Lee and bring home a title together.
Do you think we need to make a big splash tomorrow to launch 2025?
Yes. I think we have a very demanding coach for every match, with everyone. We know the importance of each match, whether it’s the championship, the cup or a final. It’ll be like that tomorrow and throughout January.
That’s why we’re at PSG: we want to win every game, do our best and win trophies. We know that these matches can give a team a good start, a good start to the month and the year. We know how important a match is, especially in a final.
Marquinhos “We weren’t able to capitalize on our chances, and that makes the difference.”
How do you explain the difference in form between the league and the Champions League?
There’s always a difference. Even if it’s very difficult to explain why we’re in this situation. If we keep up our performances, I don’t think we should be in such a difficult situation. We failed to capitalize on our chances, and that makes all the difference in a competition with some very tough opponents. You can take a goal out of a game if you take care of the details.
It’s also a new competition this year, which we didn’t necessarily understand. Now everyone understands it. From the very first match, it can make all the difference.
In national competitions, we’re very good. It’s very difficult to explain the difference. Now it’s up to us to keep working to improve and move forward in all competitions.
Is this match to promote Ligue 1 or Qatar?
It all goes together. We’re having a great time as a group here, and it also enhances our lifestyle and culture. It’s also for Ligue 1, with the great spectacle of tomorrow’s match. There are two great teams here and they’re full of confidence.
Marquinhos “my head and my heart are with PSG right now”.
What did you learn from the match against Monaco 3 weeks ago? What do you need to watch out for?
I think that even though we played against them a short time ago, it’ll be a different game tomorrow. Both teams are going to study things carefully and try to change things. So it’s going to be different. Even though we know that both teams are brave and aren’t afraid to try. C
They’re a very confident team, who play very well and are very aggressive. They knew how to fight when we were leading. I’m expecting it to be a very tough match, at the highest level. Finals are decided by details. As for what we can do better, we’ll leave that between us.
Is a departure a possibility now that there are rumours of a move next summer ?
It’s not a question for now. With soccer, you never know what the future holds, it’s dynamic. But right now, my head and my heart are with PSG. Then we’ll see. It all depends on what the club, the coach and the president want. Right now, I’m happy and I think I still have a lot to contribute.
