This Wednesday at 9 pm (CET) Paris Saint-Germain will face Atalanta at the Parc des Princes for the first matchday of the 2025-2026 Champions League. In a press conference, Marten De Roon, the 34-year-old midfielder of the Italian club, spoke about this match and the Parisian opponent, highlighting the key elements of the game.
De Roon: “We really want to show that we truly deserve to play this match.”
What does such a match mean, against the defending champions?
Playing in the greatest competition in the world is always a great source of pride. Last year, we had a great season and we deserved to play in this competition. After that, I don’t know if it’s better to start by playing the European Champion (smiling). It will be in a very beautiful stadium, it’s a great challenge for us. I think we can be proud to be here. We really want to show that we truly deserve to play this match.
What do you think of the current Champions League format?
I really like it. Because every match can decide everything. We saw that on the last matchday last year, many teams could still qualify or be eliminated. You have to prepare well for every match. Tomorrow will be the most difficult match, against the best team. We must have courage, pride, and give everything to achieve something.
De Roon: “We want to compete with them and reach their level, or even go a little beyond.”
What kind of battle do you expect in midfield?
It will be a very difficult challenge. There’s Vitinha, Neves, Ruiz, whom I already know from playing against him at Napoli. They are very high-level players. I have a lot of respect for them. But on the pitch, we want to compete with them and reach their level, or even go a little beyond (smiling).
What memories do you have of the 2020 quarter-final? There are always regrets; we were so close, just 5 minutes away from the semi-finals. It was also a strange period, a bit sad without the fans. I don’t want to dwell on it too much; I’m focusing on tomorrow’s match.
De Roon: “I emphasize enjoying the game and not being afraid.”
What will you tell your teammates?
I think for this match, there’s no need to add any extra motivation. Like we did against Liverpool before. I emphasize enjoying the game and not being afraid. We have nothing to lose. We have to play with courage and pride. With the right mindset, we can’t go wrong.
Is it better to play such a difficult match on the first or last matchday?
I can only answer that after tomorrow’s match (laughs).
A word for the fans?
I mentioned pride, and that comes from the fans. We’re happy to have them there, we feel their support at every match. We hope they’ll sing loudly.
Finally, a goal for you in the Champions League?
I know I haven’t scored in the Champions League yet (smiling), but I don’t think about it too much. The most important thing is how the team performs. If a goal comes, it comes. If not, so be it.
