Nuno Mendes, the 23-year-old left-back for Paris Saint-Germain, spoke to the media after the 4-0 victory against Atalanta at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, during the first matchday of the 2025-2026 Champions League season. He discussed this successful start to the season, the injuries, coach Luis Enrique’s decision to watch from the stands, and the match against Olympique de Marseille on Sunday (matchday 5 of Ligue 1).
Nuno Mendes: “I think we’re on the right track.”
The coach told us to stop celebrating and get back to work; is this PSG team determined?
What did he say? Oh, that was a joke (smiling). I thought it was serious…
Are you fully focused from the start?
Yes, I think we’re on the right track. We try to do our best on the pitch. Today, I think we did that well. We started well, we scored early. They left us a lot of space. And with that space, I think it’s impossible to defend. We’re going to try to win every match.
How was the return to home games in the Champions League?
It was good. It’s always good to play in front of our fans, it’s incredible. Every home match has a great atmosphere, that’s what we want.
Nuno Mendes: “The players are ready to help the team, and we’re ready for any opponent.”
Several injuries, are you worried?
I think we have players to replace those who are injured. Of course, they are important players. But we have a strong, solid team. The players are ready to help the team, and we’re ready for any opponent. But we’re waiting for their return.
Personally, how are you managing this period?
It’s complicated, we have a lot of matches, and there are injuries. But me and my teammates are doing a good job of managing our energy levels to stay at our best.
Nuno Mendes: “That’s just his thing.”
Luis Enrique in the stands during the first half, what does that mean for you?
That’s just his way; he tries to be there to better see the spaces to exploit. That’s his approach. It doesn’t change anything for us; he has his own way of doing things.
A word about the Marseille vs. Real Madrid match? Will it be a great match on Sunday?
Yes, I saw it. It will be a great match, it’s a Clasico. It’s always a great match. We’ll get some good rest; there isn’t much time. But I think we’re ready to face Marseille.
