Vitinha, this is your fourth season at Paris Saint-Germain. How have you developed since you arrived, as a player and as a person?
“Obviously, it would be a huge failure if I hadn’t grown or improved in many ways, and if I hadn’t become a better person and a better player over these four years. If you ask me to compare the Vitinha of 2022 with the one I am now, I feel I’ve developed just as much as a man as I have as a player, and I’m very happy about that. The trophies we’ve won are very important, and I cherish every one I’ve won with the club, but what’s even more important is who I’ve become, and who I’m continuing to become. It’s a process. I’m very happy with everything I’ve achieved here at Paris Saint-Germain. I hope to continue on this path in the future.”
You said that being coached by Luis Enrique and learning from him was a turning point in your career. What did he bring to you?
“Beyond his tactical and technical qualities as a coach, he’s a fantastic person, and I feel at ease with him. We don’t just talk about football, and that’s a good thing too. He’s a very natural and down-to-earth person, who’s very honest with you. You feel that his feedback is sincere and reflects what he thinks of you, and what he wants from you – that’s very important. On top of that, everything has gone well for the team and for me personally, but also for him as a manager. I feel completely at ease in my role, and not in my comfort zone, as we often step outside of it, which is a good thing. I feel fully fulfilled playing under Luis Enrique.”
“On a Champions League night, there’s something in the air that creates an incredible atmosphere, bringing players and fans together.”
And it’s not just you; it feels as though this applies to the whole team...
“Of course, because we don't just have a coach who helps us win; he also convinces you to follow his playing philosophy. Given the way he works on a day-to-day basis and the way we train, it's hard to dislike him. In my view, if everything goes well in training, the results will follow. The truth is, we’re all very happy.”
In your opinion, what makes this Paris team so special this season?
“I’d say we’re all good people, which is important. It’s important to know that when we step onto the pitch, everyone will give their all, including the substitutes. Everyone knows what they have to do on the pitch; our roles have been clearly defined. We have no doubt about what we need to do individually when we step onto the pitch. Our collective play works very well. The best compliment I can pay this team is that if any player has a problem or is absent, the team still moves forward. Any player will come in and do the same job, and sometimes even better. We’ve already proven this several times this year, and we proved it last year too. In big matches, even if we’re missing one, two or three players, we’ve always played well, and, more importantly, we’ve won.”
Finally, we simply have to talk about the match against Bayern Munich! As spectators, we’re delighted to see this clash between two great teams, in two stunning stadiums, which promise a fantastic atmosphere…
“Yes, we’re delighted too! There are obviously other great football teams around today. We’ve seen just how good Bayern are. I’d even say they’re the best team in Europe this year, alongside us, based on their performances and the results they’ve achieved. It’s going to be an exciting two-legged tie for everyone, but two very tough matches as well. These are the sort of matches you want to play in the Champions League, and I hope we manage to reach the final.”
Can you describe a Champions League match at the Parc des Princes?
“It’s magical! On a Champions League night, the atmosphere – which is already incredible for other matches – is on a whole new level. There’s something in the air that makes the atmosphere somethinhg special, that brings the players and the fans together. It’s really positive to feel that energy. We don’t even have to ask for it, because we know we’re going to feel it. It helps us a lot in these home matches and I’m sure it will help us again in the next match.”
