On Saturday, during Matchday 7 of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Sporting Lisbon (14th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 pm, CET). On the eve of this match, PSG full-back Nuno Mendes (23 years old) answered several questions at a press conference.
Nuno Mendes: “We can be in good shape, the coach is managing the players well.”
Is there added pressure coming back to Sporting, your boyhood club?
No, it’s an honor to come home. It will be a special match for me. So, we’re trying to do our best. There will also be the pressure of a Champions League match. That’s life, that’s football. We’re going to try to be at our best to win.
You seem to be in top physical condition, have you changed anything individually?
I think that’s partly my job, and the job of the coaching staff too. We manage rest well. I’m also trying to do my best. My thighs are good, I feel 200%. We try to rest, we have a lot of matches. We can be in good shape, the coach is managing the players well. I think I’m ready for tomorrow and we’re trying to be ready for the season.
What are your routines in Lisbon?
This city is important to me, but I’m here to play against Sporting. I’m focused on tomorrow’s match; that’s the most important thing for me right now.
Nuno Mendes: “It’s complicated; teams try different things to beat us.”
Four Portuguese internationals at PSG—there’s a real history within the club. How do you explain that?
I think we’re connected to football; we have good players, good coaches, and good sporting directors. That’s football. Luis Campos knows the Portuguese players well too.
How is the team compared to last season? Are you improving?
Last season was a great season; it will be difficult to match it. We’re trying to be at our best, to do what we have to do on the pitch. We have a good group. It was an exceptional season, and we’re trying to do the same. It’s complicated; teams try different things to beat us. We’re doing our best to prevent that from happening.
Would you also attempt a Panenka penalty in the final like Diaz did during the Africa Cup of Nations? Do you understand that?
That question is for Brahim Diaz; I’m focused on PSG. If the opportunity arises, I’ll see when it’s right. I’m focused on tomorrow’s match; that’s the most important thing.
Nuno Mendes: “We know Sporting will play to win. So will we.”
What’s your take on Sporting’s results? What can we expect tomorrow?
They’re having a great season, they have a lot of quality, top-level players. It will be a tough match, as always in the Champions League. We know Sporting will play to win. So will we.
You were trained at Sporting, who were your footballing inspirations?
I was inspired by Marcelo and Jordi Alba. They were players I really admired.
Are you surprised by Sporting’s level in recent years?
No, it’s a very well-structured club. There are some very high-level players, and the coach too. There was a difficult period, but Sporting is an important club in Portugal.
Nuno Mendes: “I hope it will be a Sporting side that wants to play, the way I know them, that wants to have the ball, that takes risks.”
Is PSG the favorite? What percentage?
It’s not important. We want to play the best way possible, with maximum professionalism. Like in all Champions League matches. We have to play with authenticity and game intelligence.
What are you hoping for tomorrow? A warm welcome?
He’ll be a great player, I’d be happy if I get a round of applause. But I’m here to represent PSG. Sporting means a lot to me. It’s a different kind of match, that’s for sure. I have a lot of respect for the team.
Are you expecting an attacking or defensive Sporting? What kind of run do you see them going through?
I hope it will be a Sporting that wants to play, the way I know them, that wants to have the ball, that takes risks. It will be a very interesting, hard-fought match. I wish them all the best for the rest of the tournament.
