On Wednesday, in the first leg of their 2025-2026 Champions League round of 16 tie (second leg on March 17), Paris Saint-Germain (Ligue 1 leaders) will face Chelsea (Premier League sixth) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG striker Bradley Barcola (23 years old) answered several questions at a press conference.
Barcola: “We’re always hungry to win.”
Is it tougher this season? Is the team still hungry?
Of course, we knew it would be more complicated, but we’re always hungry to win. That’s why we play, to win every year.
Do you understand the concern surrounding the team?
I think we’re still capable; we’ve shown that more than once. We work for these kinds of matches; we’re ready. We’re going to give it our all.
Barcola: “We’ll see what happens next, but I’m happy at PSG.”
Do you want to stay in Paris? Where do the negotiations stand?
I’m not involved in that; it’s my agent’s responsibility. We’ll see what happens next, but I’m happy at PSG.
A chance for revenge after the Club World Cup? What was so impressive about Chelsea?
Honestly, we don’t feel that way. It was a different era, a different competition; it’s nothing like it. But we really want to win this match, it’s important. We’ve watched this team again these last few days, they’re playing very well. It will be difficult, but we’re working hard.
Barcola: “This need will be very important.”
Playing a club like Chelsea now, is this the real competition starting?
We know it will be difficult, they’re on a good run. We’ve worked a lot, we really enjoy these kinds of matches.
Does the team need to regain its confidence?
I think it’s very important, especially considering the recent Champions League matches. This need will be very important. Especially for what’s to come, if we manage to get the job done.
Criticism about finishing personally?
I don’t think it’s a problem. I’m able to create chances, now I have to finish them. I used to think it was a confidence issue, but not anymore. If I were more successful, I would score a lot of goals. I’m working towards that, I’m not discouraged.
Barcola: “Today, I prefer playing on the wing.”
The number 9 position?
I played in that position when I was younger; it was my natural position. What I can bring to the table are runs in behind. It’s something I’m good at. Today, I prefer playing on the wing, but it’s something I can add to my game.
Is it frustrating to hear talk of a lack of hunger?
I think it’s understandable given our recent performances, but we don’t see it that way. We play to win everything; we don’t get discouraged.
The chances are there, are you working on your finishing? Is there a mental issue?
I don’t think it’s mental; I work on finishing in front of goal in training.
Barcola: “He gave me a lot of advice.”
Do you envision a Dembélé-like future as a number 9?
I don’t really know. I’ve already played in that position. After that, playing centrally is complicated; you don’t get a lot of touches and you have to be ready at all times. I prefer to be on the wing and get more touches, in one-on-one situations. I don’t know what the future holds.
Does Dembélé give you advice on playing centrally?
In the matches where I played up front, he gave me a lot of advice, on dropping deep and making runs. Plus, he can send me through, so he’s a great support.
Barcola: “That’s what it’s going to come down to.”
What did the coach say about being ready for the intensity?
To be determined from the start of the match, to leave nothing to chance. We know Chelsea will play with a lot of intensity; that’s what it’s going to come down to. We’ve worked on both attack and defense, on pressing and the runs we need to make.
