Joao Neves delivered a calm and team-focused message ahead of the Monaco–PSG Champions League playoff. The Paris midfielder first made it clear that he is fully fit despite his recent exit: “I feel at 100% of my abilities, I’m ready to play.” He confirmed that the coaching staff has been emphasizing specific areas: “We’ve trained all week on efficiency and ball possession. Even when we lack efficiency, we still play very well.”
Speaking about the stakes of the match, he echoed the coach’s message: “The coach told us it could turn the season around. It’s normal he says that because we’re reaching the end of the competition.” Showing respect for Monaco, he added: “Tomorrow will be a good match against Monaco, which is a big club and plays very well. But it will depend on how we play.”
A decisive Champions League showdown
For him, there is no special pressure facing another Ligue 1 side: “It’s a match like any other, we’ll try to play our game.” After the defeat against Rennes, he described a determined dressing room: “The team doesn’t like losing matches, but it happens in football. We’re able to identify where we can improve. We’ll play collectively, press without the ball, and try to control possession.”
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Asked about Ousmane Dembélé’s recent comments, Neves dismissed any idea of tension: “The atmosphere in the dressing room is good, the players are confident, the mood is positive.” He stressed the collective message: “I think he mainly wants to reinforce what we did last season — playing as a team, collectively.” He added, “When we have something to say to certain players, we say it directly.” He also highlighted Marquinhos’ role in helping him settle in: “Marquinhos is an incredible person and an incredible player. With him, we can play with confidence and calm. He tried to make me feel like I’d been at the club for a long time. He’s the same with everyone, those he knows and those he doesn’t.”
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