Four days after the defeat in Dortmund (2-1) and two days after a bleak birthday party, Marquinhos came before the media to justify themselves and ensure that the players are ready to reverse the situation in the Champions League.
Was it a complicated week, both on and off the field?
MARQUINHOS. Yes, but we have to solve the problems inside and not get into these subjects here. It's time to stay calm and quiet, to think about working. The most important is the terrain. The best we can do in matches and training. Outside, you have to stay calm.
Are the images that leaked from the birthday party a mistake?
It was a mistake to broadcast the images like that. We are aware of it. It was a birthday, it was planned before the match. It is not related to the outcome. It is not a lack of respect for the supporters. It was a time to forget, to party, to spend some time together, to laugh and not to think about the match or the tactics. The people who filmed did not do it to hurt. These are our lives as players, we have to be careful. People live for the club, travel miles for the club, some do not leave their homes. We too were sad about this match (Editor's note: against Dortmund) . Two days later, we celebrated the birthday of three players, it was just to forget about soccer and spend some time together.
Thomas Tuchel said after Dortmund that you players were "afraid of making mistakes". How did you perceive this statement?
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I did not hear it. So I can't comment. But we are great players, I don't think we are afraid. We are used to playing big games. Some have won the Champions League, others are world champions. These players are not afraid. We didn't have a good match, we lost to one of the best teams in Germany. Even when playing badly, the result is not that bad. There is a return match, you should not throw everything at the slightest defeat. It is on the ground that must be answered.
Did you players push for Neymar to replay before Dortmund?
It is not our decision. They have done many meetings in which we do not participate. It is an analysis of the medical and technical staff. We players always want to be on the field, to take the pace and be in good shape. You have to analyze everything to make the right decision.
How could Thomas Meunier not be aware of his risk of suspension in the event of a new warning?
Sometimes we play so many games that we forget the cards. There are a lot of competitions, maybe that's what happened with Thomas.
Can the change of system explain the poor performance?
The coach has made his decisions, he analyzes opponents' matches very well. He is trying to find a tactical scheme that gives us an advantage. Maybe it was a good time to change.
What was the reaction of the group after the match in Dortmund?
We are very aware of what we have done. Immediately, there was the frustration of the result, the poor performance. But we know our strength. We know our strengths especially at the Park. We have the confidence of knowing that we can do it. We have four games to work. To arrive at this match with a good frame of mind, arrive at the best of our form and qualify.
Do you think Thiago Silva still embodies the future at PSG?
Yes, he demonstrates it on the field where he plays great games. At 35, he continues to play at a very high level. He's a friend too, he's very important in the locker room. It helps me to always push myself forward. If I had to choose, I want him to continue.