The weight of the football season is beginning to show signs of cracks at PSG and among their supporters. Some have come to question the leadership of the capital city club including Brazilian defender Marquinhos.
In an interview with Le Parisien, the centre-back defended his leadership explaining, “If the guys elected me captain, it’s because I am who I am. I didn’t change anything. Just because you’re a captain doesn’t mean you have to change your attitude. There are extra things to do. There are good daily adventures. You’re more targeted, you have to be very exemplary. You have to always try to motivate others and help your teammates. Especially the youngsters. You have to keep being the way you are.”
In the locker room of “big” clubs, there are several large personalities. While that can be a difficulty on its own, there are also many leaders within the group. Playing for not only PSG but also Brazil, the 28-year-old defender understands that well. He explained, “There are always leaders in a group. A captain cannot be the only one to take responsibility on a team. Even if they do not have the armband, there are leaders, people who will also speak up, help with decision-making… We work like that!”
Even with the loss to Marseille in the Coupe de France and a string of injuries, PSG have plenty to play for and have complete control over their destiny. The defender spoke about what it takes to get through these types of rough patches stating, “At times like these you have to talk to each other, improve things as quickly as possible, watch your own performances to try to think about what can be done better. Afterwards, collectively it will be better. We lost in the cup, but we are first in the league. We still have everything to play for in the Champions League. Why should we let go now? We are going through a difficult time but we have to go hard now.”
While PSG’s injury crisis has caused panic, it has opened the door for players like 16-year-old Warren Zaïre-Emery to have time on the pitch to shine. The Ligue 1 club may also have star forward Kylian Mbappé available for their Champions League clash against the German giants Bayern Munich. While supporters may be starting to doubt Christophe Galtier and company, defeating the Bundesliga Champions may silence many of those doubting voices.
GFFN | Tony DesRois
