Vitinha, the 26-year-old Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, spoke to UEFA’s official website a few days before Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich (PSG won the first leg 5-4). The match itself wasn’t discussed, as the Portuguese player was instead asked to talk about his Parisian adventure, which began in 2022, coach Luis Enrique, and the special strength of his team.
Vitinha “What’s even more important is who I’ve become and who I continue to become.”
“On his four years in Paris
It would be a grave mistake if I hadn’t grown and progressed in many ways, and if I hadn’t become a better person and a better player during these four years. If you ask me to compare the Vitinha of 2022 to the Vitinha of today, I feel I’ve evolved on both fronts, and I’m happy about that.
I cherish the trophies I’ve won with the club, but what’s even more important is who I’ve become and who I continue to become, because it’s a process. I’m very happy with everything I’ve become here at Paris Saint-Germain. I hope to continue on this path, to keep moving forward.
Vitinha: “We don’t just talk about football, and that’s a good thing too.”
On Paris coach Luis Enrique
Beyond his technical and tactical qualities as a coach, he’s a fantastic person, and I I feel comfortable around him. We don’t just talk about football, and that’s a good thing. He’s a very natural and down-to-earth person, who is very frank with you. In our professions as coaches and players, when you feel that the feedback is sincere and reflects what he thinks and feels about you, and what he expects from you, it’s really important.
When you have a coach who not only gets results but also convinces you to follow his playing philosophy, through his daily work, through the way we train together day after day, it’s very unlikely that you won’t appreciate him.
Vitinha: “Everyone thinks the same way and knows what they have to do.”
On the qualities of this Paris team:
Everyone knows what they have to do on the pitch because our roles have been clearly defined. We have no doubt about what we have to do individually when we step onto the field.
The most The best compliment I can pay this team is that even if a player isn’t feeling well or is absent, the team keeps moving forward. Any player who comes on will do the same, and sometimes even better. When I step onto the pitch, I believe and feel that we’re all on the same page. What defines a true team is when everyone thinks the same way and knows what they have to do.”
It’s interesting to see that Vitinha particularly emphasizes his development at PSG. There are titles, which he doesn’t downplay, but it’s this progression that he finds particularly pleasing. This is understandable, as the Portuguese player has grown significantly as a person and as a player since his arrival. This is what leads him to win titles and allows him to play regularly for Portugal.
The human aspect is also key for Luis Enrique, who is often recognized for his technical abilities. This is not to be overlooked. But the real difference lies in the way the team operates, in the discussions with the players, and in the ability to convey its philosophy. This applies not only to the game itself, but also to the overall team dynamic. This is why we no longer see controversies at PSG, even though there could be frustration regarding playing time. The players accept the competition and know that everyone has a role to play during the season. Even if some might eventually seek a starting role on big nights, which would be more attainable at another club.
Furthermore, Luis Enrique has managed to create a squad where many players can change positions without altering the team’s style of play or its quality. The group understands its mission well, and everyone is working towards the collective good. It’s an admirable achievement, one to be savored. We know it can’t last forever, so we must fully enjoy this period at PSG. And hope that it lasts as long as possible, like Vitinha’s Parisian adventure.
