PARIS – Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos expressed a pragmatic outlook following his team’s dominant 3-0 victory over Chelsea on Tuesday, securing an 8-2 aggregate win in the Champions League Round of 16. The Brazilian defender, speaking to the media after the match, indicated that PSG is focused on its own preparation rather than fixating on potential opponents in the quarter-finals – either Liverpool or Galatasaray.
The win, a resounding statement of intent for the French champions, sets up a challenging quarter-final tie. PSG will face either Liverpool or Galatasaray, with those teams set to contest their own Round of 16 second leg. Marquinhos, a key figure in PSG’s consistent run in European competition, emphasized the importance of internal focus as the club aims for further success in the tournament. He currently captains both PSG and the Brazil national team, and is widely considered one of the best centre-backs in the world.
“We have no preference,” Marquinhos stated, as reported by L’Équipe. “Football is extremely dynamic, we don’t appear too much at the opponent, we focus on what You can do. We must work on what we can improve, the opponent shows us things that we can improve, and no matter which team we face, I feel they will not be happy to face PSG.”
The 31-year-ancient centre-back, who has been with PSG since 2013, highlighted the demand for meticulous preparation. “It will be two matches, two high-level matches that will be decided by small details. We will prepare in the best possible way,” he added. Marquinhos’s comments reflect a confidence born from experience, having been a part of a PSG squad that has consistently reached the latter stages of the Champions League.
PSG’s victory over Chelsea was comprehensive, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia, who also spoke after the match, echoed Marquinhos’s sentiment, emphasizing the team’s desire to continue improving. “Scoring 3 goals against Chelsea is great. We have to work hard and think about the next matches. We are trying to get back to our best form. I try to play every match to the fullest even if it is sometimes tricky. I am there whenever I can help the team,” Kvaratskhelia said, according to L’Équipe.
PSG manager Luis Enrique also expressed his satisfaction with the performance, stating that the team controlled the match effectively despite facing a determined Chelsea side. “We did everything well. We are very happy. We controlled the match, even though it was a complicated situation because the opponent had to score. But we made transitions of a very high level,” Enrique commented.
Marquinhos’s leadership and composure are crucial assets for PSG as they navigate the challenges of the Champions League knockout stages. His focus on internal improvement and disregard for specific opponents suggests a team confident in its own abilities. The club, having won the Copa Libertadores with Corinthians in 2012 before moving to Europe, clearly has a winning mentality.
The draw for the Champions League quarter-finals will determine PSG’s next opponent. Regardless of whether they face Liverpool or Galatasaray, Marquinhos and his teammates will be aiming to maintain their momentum and continue their pursuit of European glory. The club’s experience, combined with its current form, makes them a formidable contender in the competition. Marquinhos has made 323 appearances for PSG, scoring 27 goals, and has been a mainstay in the team for over a decade.
PSG will undoubtedly analyze both potential opponents closely, identifying their strengths and weaknesses. However, as Marquinhos emphasized, the primary focus will remain on refining their own game and ensuring they are fully prepared for the challenges ahead. The next matches promise to be intense, high-stakes encounters, and PSG will need to be at their best to progress further in the tournament.
The quarter-final ties are scheduled to be played in April, with the exact dates and times to be confirmed by UEFA. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the draw and the opportunity to witness PSG continue their Champions League journey. The club’s ambition remains unwavering, and Marquinhos’s leadership will be instrumental in guiding them towards their ultimate goal.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on PSG’s Champions League campaign, including the quarter-final draw and match previews. We will continue to provide comprehensive coverage and analysis as the tournament progresses.
