Paris Saint-Germain’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma issued a statement on Wednesday, revealing that the newly crowned champions of Europe are “eager” for further triumphs in the Club World Cup as they prepare to take on Brazil’s Botafogo.
The French club kicked off their Group B campaign in spectacular fashion on Sunday, overwhelming Atletico Madrid with a 4-0 victory at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.
This decisive win marked a brilliant start for PSG in the tournament, just over two weeks after they thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League final.
Donnarumma, an Italian international, emphasised the team’s commitment to clinching a fifth trophy this season, stating they began the tournament “the same way we finished” the Champions League.
“The Club World Cup is an extremely significant competition for us; we need to maintain our focus at 100% to reach the final and secure the trophy,” the goalkeeper asserted to reporters ahead of Thursday’s match against Botafogo at the Rose Bowl.
“Everyone is eager for wins, to collect titles; this is crucial for both now and for the coming year,” he remarked following their training session at the University of California.
Fabian Ruiz, the Spanish midfielder, expressed that PSG is comfortable assuming the role of tournament favourites.
“It’s positive for everyone to be speaking about us, isn’t it?” he commented.
“What matters is our performance and what we’re doing. However, we don’t feel the pressure; our focus is solely on the next match.”
Botafogo, PSG’s upcoming opponents, qualified for the Club World Cup by winning the Copa Libertadores for the very first time in 2024.
The Brazilian outfit commenced their campaign with a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders on Sunday.
Goncalo Ramos, the Portugal international forward for PSG, acknowledged that Botafogo pose a bit of an enigma.
“I know a bit about them and I’m familiar with their coach, but I don’t catch many of their matches as they play late. They’re a solid team, and facing a Brazilian side is always a different challenge for us,” said Ramos.
Following Thursday’s encounter at the Rose Bowl, PSG will head north to Seattle for their final group match against the Sounders on Monday.
_______________________________________________
Sponsored:
FIFA Club World Cup – Every Game Free, exclusively on DAZN.
Sign up here to start streaming.
_______________________________________________
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
