Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos is under no illusions about the importance of the Napoli match – “it’s not a final, but we have to treat it like one”.
The French champions will arrive in Italy today for tomorrow’s Champions League match, having snatched a last-gasp equaliser at the Parc des Princes two weeks ago.
“We’re well aware of the importance of the match,” Marquinhos told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos is under no illusions about the importance of the Napoli match – “it’s not a final, but we have to treat it like one”.
The French champions will arrive in Italy today for tomorrow’s Champions League match, having snatched a last-gasp equaliser at the Parc des Princes two weeks ago.
“We’re well aware of the importance of the match,” Marquinhos told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It’s enough to count the points. We have to win. Maybe it’s not a final, but we have to treat it like one. It won’t be easy, we’ll have to play the perfect match.
“Napoli didn’t surprise me [in the first game], we were well aware of the qualities and strength of a team that has been together for a very long time.
“The players know each other perfectly, and now they have the experience of [Carlo] Ancelotti who knows PSG well.
“In the first game they dominated tactically, we couldn’t press them to recover the ball and like every Italian team they were well organised, they play simply and in an attacking way.
“In the second half though we got back in it, so we need to take inspiration from our second half performance.”
Marco Verratti comes into this game after being arrested for drink-driving last week…
“Marco gave the best possible answer with the game against Lille. He’s a lad who knows how to handle pressure, he has the mentality to do it. The rest is up to the directors.
“We try to focus on the pitch, concentrating on positive energy to get an important result at the San Paolo.”
Another who is returning to Italy is Gianluigi Buffon.
“Gigi is a legend, first of all,” Marquinhos said.
“His presence alone is good for us, and his experience will help the team and the club to grow further.
“He is an exemplary person on and off the pitch.”