After their opening match against Atletico Madrid at the Club World Cup, Marquinhos and Vitinha made the balance of PSG's path to get here: between progress and constant ambition, the target stable continues to grow.
After their brilliant debut at the Club World Cup, with a dominant victory over Atletico Madrid, Marquinhos assessed the progress of PSG under Luis Enrique, speaking in the mixed zone to flash score.
How do you rate the start of your trip this season?
We started poorly in terms of results, but we have improved in the course of the competitions. This shows that we are on the right track and gives our confidence for the future.
How important is it to start a match well?
Starting well is important because it gives confidence and shows that we are going in the right direction. The title has not been decided now, but it is always important to start such a competition. It gives confidence and shows that we are on the right track.
What is your approach to maintain this growth?
Like I said, we shouldn't stop now. We are on the right track, with the right approach. We have found our way; We have to continue.
What role does your coach play in this growth?
We have a very devoted coach. In the training he always shows even the smallest details in the videos, he prepares the competitions well, L and today the results can be seen on the field.
What is the key to continue like this?
You have to keep doing, working and committing. That's what we did today.
What is the motivation after winning the title of European champions?
We have been European champions for three weeks. We are still motivated to go out and find new challenges. We are here for our European title and we will continue in the same direction.
How did the coach prepare the team for all competitions?
The coach has improved us. He prepared us in the best possible way in the week. That shows our ambition.
What is the approach of the team of the upcoming competitions?
Now life goes on. The competitions continue. The motivation is always the same. We should not stop, we should not abandon our guard. We must always go for the maximum.
What are the difficulties of the team for the matches in the afternoon?
The game in the afternoon is a bit complicated. It is difficult for us, very difficult for our team.
Match StatsstatSPerform
Vitinha: 'We want to make this season historical'
What is the mentality of the team for every competition?
We are confronted with competitions with trust, firmness and the conviction that we can do well. We have faith in our teammates and the team. The desire is always there. We want to make it historical this season: it is already, but to win this trophy, in a new competition, would be something incredible for the first time.
What is the strategy to approach the competitions?
What brought us far in the Champions League and other competitions was to look at each game individually, always thinking about what we can improve in the next. And that is exactly what we will continue to do.
How do you deal with difficult circumstances, such as the heat?
It was really hot today. I was all red, it was difficult. But we try to recover as much as possible: we sleep, we manage our weight, our physical condition, everything we can do. Because every detail counts at this point in the season.
What is your priority in the team?
My priority is the team. I have to help as much as possible. If personal rewards come later, the better. But the team always comes first.
What is the formula to play well together?
It's simple: everyone has their own task, he knows what to do. If everyone is doing well, everything works. The organization is clear, the dynamics are good, and when that happens, things go well.
Fabian Ruiz: 'We don't feel that we are favorites'
Satisfied with the victory?
Yes, I am happy with the result and this victory. We knew it would be a difficult match, Atletico is a great team. But I think we have given a great achievement, from the first to the last minute. I am happy for the goal, but even more for the work of the team, which is the most important thing.
Do you consider yourself favorites for the tournament?
We don't know if we are the favorites or not, to be honest, we don't think too much about it. We try to do our best in every game. We want to win every game. We know that it is a difficult competition, with the best teams in the world, but we will try to do our best and achieve the final, which is our goal.
What was it like to play in this heat in the afternoon?
It was difficult, the heat was really incredible. But we have to adjust and find a way to manage it. It is not easy to play at these temperatures, but that applies to both teams. We tried to prepare as well as possible in the days prior to the competition, we took care of ourselves and worked to be ready. It is difficult, but we are still trying to do our best.
Now you will be confronted against Botafogo. What kind of match do you expect against the South American champions?
Yes, we know that Botafogo is a great team, the champions in Brazil. It will be a difficult challenge, like everyone else in this competition. Now we have to recover a little and from tomorrow we will start to prepare for the competition. We know the value of the opponent, but we also want to impose our game, as we have done all year round. We hope to win and get closer to the qualification for the next phase.