Following PSG’s 4-1 victory over Orléans and qualification for the Coupe de France Round of 16, team captain Marquinhos shared his thoughts with beIN SPORTS.
Acknowledging the importance of securing the win, Marquinhos stated, « It’s good; we know the context of Coupe de France matches. We come to a place where we’re not used to playing much, with a great atmosphere. We needed to start the match well and unlock the score right away. »
Highlighting the strategy against such opponents, he emphasized, « We know that against these teams, we shouldn’t leave the match open to penalties or risk a late-game counter. It’s the Coupe de France; it’s an objective for us, with only 90 minutes and no extra time. So, we need to be very efficient. We came here to get this result and advance in the Coupe de France. »
Marquinhos confirmed the significance of the Coupe de France as a crucial objective for PSG, stating, « We know how much it hurts when we don’t win. It’s a competition, and I’ve been in France for years, experiencing all the beauty surrounding this cup. Facing smaller teams that give us a lot of work, we need to approach it with respect, especially at this crucial moment in the season. There are significant challenges ahead, with three matches per week coming up. It’s good preparation for the season’s end. »