He gives the impression of having been at PSG for ten years. However, Willian Pacho has only been playing there for eighteen months. Indispensable in defense, the Ecuador international exudes natural authority alongside Marquinhos with whom he will once again share the center, this Wednesday against Newcastle. Meeting which must validate direct access to the round of 16 of the Champions League.
Does this match against Newcastle have the flavor of a Champions League round of 16?
WILLIAN PACHO. It’s a very important match, we are going to play our qualification in the top 8. We feel good, it will be a very difficult match against a good opponent, but we are ready to deliver a big game.
Newcastle like to bring danger behind their opponents’ backs. How will you defend against this team?
We’ve seen a lot of videos, it’s a physical team that tries a lot, it’s true, to find space behind the defense. But we are prepared to deliver a very big match.
What does the return of Achraf Hakimi change?
Warren (Zaire-Emery) played the interim role perfectly, but Achraf, in his position, helps us a lot both defensively and offensively. He knows how to read the game very well, we hope that he will be in the best shape tomorrow (Wednesday) to help us.
How do you explain that the adaptation was so easy for you in this locker room?
The youth, the type of player, the staff… All that really helped me feel good. The coach is very precise in what he asks. It also helped me adapt to bring as much as possible to the team.
“I give all my support to Chevalier”
What do you think of Lucas Chevalier’s performance which is facing criticism at the moment?
Lucas is a very good person. We see the way he works every day, the desire he always has to win. We don’t speak much yet because of the language, but I trust him completely and I give him all my support. He is always there with his desire, his humility, he always wants to learn. There can sometimes be more difficult periods, but he does what it takes every day to bring his qualities to the team. And that’s very appreciable for us.
Do you have the goal of being the best defender in the world?
Since I have been in Paris, my objective has always been to bring my qualities to the group. To be the best defender in the world, you have to be on the best team in the world. The collective helps you improve individually but the strength of the group is essential to rise. I try to help my partners defensively and offensively by giving the best of myself.
How much does Marquinhos help you?
He’s a bit like a father to me. He is there for everyone, not just me but others too. He’s been a very special player for me since I arrived. He always tells me to keep this desire at PSG, this thirst for learning. He has been here for years, he has great experience, I learn from him every day. Young people like me are here to learn from our elders.
What is your role on set pieces?
On defensive corners, I try to bring my size because I am one of the tallest. It’s one of Newcastle’s strengths, we know it, so this week we worked a lot on this point. I will try to help my team as much as possible to block the opponent.
Is it difficult to leave with the same desire as last season?
We talk about that a lot. When you win, can you maintain the same desire? The coach insists on this a lot, he tells us not to lose this hunger for victory. We must continue to win, have the desire to improve. We must continue to work on our qualities. You always have to learn.
What do you think of the arrival of Dro Fernandez?
I am delighted with this arrival. We have an exceptional group and whenever they need us, we will be there for them. We have this desire to grow together. The coach helps us a lot with that, he helps the young people, he gives us confidence. If you train well, you know you’ll get your chance.
