Warren Zaïre-Emery, the 19-year-old midfielder who came up through the Paris Saint-Germain youth system and is under contract until 2029, spoke to Ligue 1+ in an interview broadcast Sunday evening before Le Classique.
Zaïre-Emery: “I tried to ask myself the right questions.”
August 6, 2022, you became the youngest player in history. What did you feel at that moment?
A lot of pride. I had to make the most of it. It could have been my last. I enjoyed it immensely that day.
What has changed?
You don’t expect it the first time when you’re out with your family, eating, and someone comes up to take a picture. After that, you get used to it and you live with it.
How did you bounce back after the difficult period? Did you put things in place on a daily basis to regain your confidence?
I tried to ask myself the right questions: “What is it that made things change, that made me this way?” On my own, I managed to get out of this situation, even though people around us offer advice. It’s a great source of pride. I know that if it comes back one day, I’ll know how to handle it.
Zaïre-Emery: “It’s the intensity that makes me different.”
You played every match, you started 27 times, what’s it like playing right-back?
Honestly, it’s good. I really enjoyed it. It’s not a true full-back. It’s a hybrid role where he can do pretty much what he wants.
How is it different compared to midfield?
Little things, details. When a player makes a run in behind, instead of chasing him, you have to form a small block, turn him around, so his run is stopped. What’s also changed is the intensity I bring, whether as a full-back or a midfielder. It’s that intensity that makes me different.
Zaïre-Emery: “We made history and we want to do it again.”
De Zerbi’s comments on whether OM can beat PSG? (The interview did take place before the match…)
There are always statements made before matches, regardless of the team. I wouldn’t say it motivates us, but it gives us a little push, it makes us want to win and show that we’re better. We’re one of the best teams in the world.
The Champions League?
“As a youth academy graduate, it’s magical. The first Champions League in Paris. We made history and we want to do it again.”
