Başakşehir-PSG: "Danilo is mentally ready", says Presnel Kimpembe

Left to rest on Saturday against Dijon, Presnel Kimpembe will be back on Wednesday to help Paris get back on track in the Champions League ahead of Başakşehir.

Before going to train on the lawn of the Fatih-Terim stadium, the world champion spoke at a press conference where he notably addressed his probable association with Danilo Pereira.

How could you help Danilo, who is not his favorite position, to find his feet if he is lined up by your side tomorrow in central defense?

PRESNEL KIMPEMBE.

I don't think that's a problem for Danilo.

He has played in central defense in the past.

If the coach makes this choice, it is because he has his reasons.

Afterwards, I will help him as best as possible, even if he is mentally ready for this kind of match.

But above all, we do not yet know how we will play tomorrow, it is the coach who will decide.

Thomas Tuchel and Didier Deschamps are very complimentary about you.

Was there a click to explain the level you are showing today?

Yes, there have been a lot of clicks in my career.

The match against Manchester was one.

The post-World Cup, where I played almost a season with an injury, was also one.

It was difficult for me to get up.

But you have to know how to go through this.

Kylian Mbappé explained this week that it had been mentally complicated to go on to the new season.

Is that what explains why Paris seems to have trouble getting established?

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I don't know if this is the explanation.

But I confirm that it was difficult.

We resumed training on June 22.

It's been three to four complicated months during which we had to come back to focus on the finals, on the Champions League and continue with the resumption of the championship and the selection.

It's complicated, but the circumstances surrounding the coronavirus make it like that.

But above all, we are happy to resume our profession, we will try to make the most of it.

How did you experience your role as captain in the absence of Marquinhos?

It went well, this is not the first time that I occupy this role.

It takes a lot of responsibility.

If the coach gives me the armband, it is because he knows that I am able to wear it.

With Marquinhos, we have had a superb agreement for 7 years, both on and off the pitch.

We have new responsibilities this season.

We are very hard-working guys and with a lot of humility, we know that we can do what is necessary for the team.

Can the diplomatic context disturb the team in the preparation of the match?

No, not at all, we are sporty, we focus on football.

What happens politically is not our responsibility.

You play against the club of the Turkish president.

Did you feel a certain tension towards yourself in Istanbul?

Not at all.

RAS.