Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma expressed on Wednesday that the newly crowned European champions are “hungry” for further triumphs at the Club World Cup as they set their sights on facing Brazil’s Botafogo.
The French club kicked off their Group B campaign in stellar fashion on Sunday, dominating Atletico Madrid with a resounding 4-0 victory at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.
This win marked a smooth entry into the tournament for PSG, just over two weeks following their emphatic 5-0 win against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final.
Donning the Italian colours, Donnarumma stated that the squad is intensely focused on claiming their fifth trophy of the season, having commenced the tournament “the same way we finished” in the Champions League.
“The Club World Cup is a crucial competition for us; we need to maintain complete focus to reach the final and secure the trophy,” the goalkeeper told reporters ahead of Thursday’s encounter with Botafogo at the Rose Bowl.
“Everyone is eager for victories and to lift silverware; this is important now and for the future,” he reflected after a training session at the University of California.
Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz mentioned that PSG are at ease with being labelled as the tournament favourites.
“It’s a good thing if everyone is discussing us, isn’t it?” he remarked.
“For our part, we’re focused on our game and what we’re doing. Yet, we don’t feel that pressure; instead, we concentrate on the next match.”
Botafogo, PSG’s upcoming opponents, secured their place in the Club World Cup by winning the Copa Libertadores for the first time in 2024.
The Brazilian outfit kicked off their campaign with a narrow 2-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders on Sunday.
PSG’s Portugal international striker Goncalo Ramos acknowledged that Botafogo remains somewhat of an enigma.
“I know a bit about them, I’m familiar with the coach, but I don’t follow many of their games since they often play late. However, they are a solid team, and it presents a different challenge for us to face a Brazilian side,” Ramos commented.
Following Thursday’s match at the Rose Bowl, PSG will head north to Seattle for their final group stage match against the Sounders on Monday.
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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