On Tuesday, during Matchday 4 of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Bayern Munich (2nd) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG midfielder Vitinha (25 years old) answered several questions at a press conference.
Vitinha: “We are the two best.”
How does it feel to be reunited with Ruiz and Neves? Why are you one of the best in the world right now?
It feels great to be back with them. No matter who plays, we’ll be ready!
Which is the best team in Europe right now between you?
The answer will be revealed tomorrow on the pitch. But yes, I think we are the two best. Bayern are in fantastic form. We’re also in good form. We’re building on last season. We feel good and we can’t wait.
Vitinha: “It will be a very difficult match for both teams.”
What kind of captain is Marquinhos? Has winning the Champions League changed him?
He’s happy, you can see it (smiles). He’s pleased, he feels good. He’s relieved. We’re happy for him. He’s been here for a long time, trying to win. We did it, and you can tell he’s very happy. He continues to be the leader he always was. He’s always there, both in words and example. We have a great leader, a great player.
This kind of match has added prestige. Like against Barcelona, is there a desire to send a message? To maintain the club’s aura?
In my opinion, tomorrow it’s the two best teams in Europe right now. We always want to play this kind of match. We know everyone will be watching, talking. We want to be there and play well. We’re all eager. We know it’s important, even though we already have 9 points. We want 4 wins in 4 matches. It will be a very difficult match for both teams.
Vitinha: “It will be the coach’s decision. I can see him, he’s training.”
Harry Kane, what do you think of him?
He’s a very great player. He’s one of the best in the world, an incredible striker. He always has incredible stats. He started out stratospherically. We know that it’s first and foremost a team, with many good players. They defend and attack together. This will be the toughest match to face.
How is Ousmane Dembélé doing? Would it be a problem to be without him?
In this type of match, you always want to play with the best. He’s a Ballon d’Or winner, he’s the best. But it will be the coach’s decision. I see him well, he’s training. I hope he’ll be fit for the match.
Vitinha: “We want to show the team’s true strength.”
What will be the key to the match? What does PSG have that’s different?
I think the match will be, a bit like the Club World Cup, very close. There will be pressure on both sides, everywhere, duels. Both teams want the ball, but there’s only one. The match will be decided by small details. It will be a very competitive, very intense match. We can’t wait. We want to show the team’s true strength.
It’s hard to say what we have that’s extra. It could be small details, individual or collective. It’s difficult to say which aspect will make the difference.
To take the next step, do you need to assert yourself even more as a leader?
Yes, I think I can and must continue to grow in that leadership aspect. Today, I’m one of the vice-captains. You have to control the game, talk with your teammates. I think I can grow, I have a lot of room for improvement. It’s one of the aspects to improve in the coming years.
Vitinha: “I love playing with him, he makes things easier for me.”
A lack of efficiency that comes with a lack of mental freshness?
Perhaps. It’s an old discussion we had last year. There were a lot of missed opportunities. We managed to overcome that. We don’t really think about it now, it’s not a problem. We know we have to pass to the teammate in the best position.
Nuno Mendes is considered the best full-back in the world. How do you see the duel with Michael Olise? Can he still improve?
Always, every player has room for improvement. He’s in incredible form, he’s had a great start to the season. I love playing with him, he makes things easier for me (smiles). I think he’s the best. I hope he wins his duels. There’s a lot of intensity, a lot of duels. Every duel won will be beneficial. It will be against Olise, a great player.
Vitinha: “It’s not a gift for them, they deserve it.”
How do you support the young players in their development?
It’s a privilege to have young players at this level. It’s not a gift for them, they deserve it. They’ve managed to break into the team and play. They’ve earned every minute. We support them, we try to give them feedback little by little, to be there when they need us. With every doubt, every match, we need to provide information and help. We’re happy they’re here. They’re good guys and they have great qualities.
