First title at stake for PSG in 2026! Already winners of the European Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup, the reigning European champions can collect a third trophy this season, with that of the champions organized by the League. It’s this Thursday at 7 p.m. in France, against Marseille and Kuwait. On the eve of this meeting, Marquinhos, the captain of the Parisians, was at a press conference from the press room at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, almost full this Thursday according to the organizers.
Does the defeat conceded at the Vélodrome on September 22, 2025 impact this Thursday’s meeting?
MARQUINHOS. A defeat is never good. It doesn’t go by quickly. We always have the motivation against our rival. A clasico, we always want to win it. We have many victories against him, but OM won the last one… It’s time to put things back in place. Much depends on us.
Is becoming the record holder for titles won in Europe (36 currently with PSG) in the back of your mind?
It’s always a motivation. It wasn’t one when I arrived in Paris. I take every opportunity. This is the objective in a club of the size of PSG. You have to always be hungry, every game. Like tomorrow, it’s one more opportunity. It makes me hungry.
Does Marseille scare you?
Marseille never scares me. We respect the opponent a lot, whoever they are. We are never afraid of our opponents. Even against the bottom of the championship, we must have the same motivation. In a final, a dry match, anything can happen. We must first respect our philosophy of play, by doing what it takes to win it.
Roberto De Zerbi talks about ferocity. Are you expecting a fight?
This was already the case during the last match, with a lot of commitment. We are waiting for this and we are ready for it. We know what this duel will be like. We know their philosophy. OM will want to start strong.
Far from Paris, does this Champions Trophy have the same taste?
We saw a lot of PSG supporters leaving our hotel. The stadium will be full. It’s an opportunity to show the Ligue 1 teams. We’ve played all over the world, like in Asia. This match always has a special flavor. We want to return with the Trophy to Paris.
How does your experience change?
When you lose or win a title, it’s not the same feeling. Our team is young but already has experience.
What is the best and worst memory of a clasico?
The worst are the defeats. The best is the Champions Trophy won in Lens in 2021. I scored goals against Marseillais, at home, too. It’s a beautiful emotion.
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