The attacking prowess of European champions Paris Saint-Germain has been the subject of much discussion, particularly their swift and menacing wingers and electrifying style of play. However, it was a crucial element of resilience that propelled them into the semi-finals of the Club World Cup on Saturday.
Under the management of Luis Enrique, PSG secured a 2-0 victory against Bayern Munich in Atlanta, despite finishing the match with only nine players following late red cards issued to Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, the goalkeeper for PSG, made a series of crucial saves, enabling the French treble winners to advance to the final four, where they will face Kylian Mbappe, a familiar face from Real Madrid.
Marquinhos, the captain, remarked that the mentality of the team was crucial in their quest to add more trophies to their cabinet.
“This was a match that provided us with valuable lessons, a game that pushed us out of our comfort zone,” the Brazilian defender stated to the media.
“(It demonstrated) the mentality of our group, which is something we discuss frequently – winning is challenging, but maintaining that winning streak is even tougher.
“That is the mindset we have today: to consistently show our hunger, to strive for greater achievements.”
Luis Enrique elaborated that the hard work his team has put in over the past year has bolstered their resilience.
“This is rooted in the season we’ve just experienced; we endured together… demonstrating true team spirit,” the Spaniard commented.
“Winning, losing, or drawing is part and parcel of the game, but our attitude and our actions matter most.”
PSG celebrated their inaugural Champions League victory in May after navigating a challenging path to the final, including heroics against Liverpool in the last-16, which they won on penalties.
Donnarumma starred during the nail-biting encounter at Anfield in March, taking down Arne Slot’s side, who were touted as favourites to lift the trophy.
“We went to Liverpool seeking a result – it requires a powerful mentality. Once again, today, with two players down, we rallied together on the pitch, defending as one and supporting each other,” Marquinhos expressed.
“Upon the initial red card, I assessed my teammates and saw their resolve to defend steadfastly.”
“We communicated, agreeing to defend doggedly, ensuring we wouldn’t concede any goals; this game is ours and we’ll fight to the end.”
“I was confident – we declared that our team is strong even in adversity… it doesn’t matter what happens, mentally, we are prepared.”
Even with just nine men and leading thanks to Desire Doue’s strike, PSG repelled Bayern and secured a second goal from Ousmane Dembele.
‘At all times’
The Parisians earned praise for their performance against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals, where they held firm against Mikel Arteta’s side to clinch a hard-earned 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.
They found themselves two goals down in the Coupe de France semi-final against Dunkerque, only to stage an impressive comeback to win 4-2 and ultimately lift the trophy.
Luis Enrique noted that his squad possesses a “great ability” to handle challenging situations after that Cup victory in April, and once again highlighted their resolve to hold off Bayern.
“This is a resilient team, and our supporters are incredibly resilient,” Luis Enrique stated.
“We are a side that is ready to compete at all times, regardless of the outcome.”
Marquinhos credited the influence of the former Spain and Barcelona coach as a key factor in the team’s improved mental fortitude.
Previous iterations of PSG have been brimming with star talent, yet often lacked the mental toughness to succeed on the biggest stages.
“The cornerstone is our coach, as he has instilled his philosophy and mentality, preparing the team thoroughly from the moment he arrived,” Marquinhos detailed.
“He sought to enhance the team’s mental readiness to tackle whatever challenges arise during a match…
“We have faced it all this season, including difficult times when we didn’t achieve the desired results, playing well but failing to find the net.”
Bayern’s coach Vincent Kompany recalled the harsh criticism aimed at Luis Enrique after Bayern edged PSG 1-0 in the Champions League first round last November.
Nevertheless, after overcoming numerous difficulties to dominate Europe, culminating in a resounding victory against Inter Milan in the most one-sided final seen in the history of the competition, few would bet against them attempting to conquer the world.
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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