Champions League and World Cup, Marquinhos reveals the keys

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·4 June 2026

Champions League and World Cup, Marquinhos reveals the keys

Marquinhos, the 32-year-old central defender and captain of Paris Saint-Germain, spoke at a press conference after joining the Brazil squad to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. He was notably asked to discuss the keys to success in the Champions League, but also those of the World Cup, in which his national team has great ambitions. The heat was an important part of the Brazilian’s remarks.

Marquinhos “I think it is an asset to have players who have been through these difficult moments”

There are many philosophies, many paths to success, and football proves that it is a team sport. We need all the players, all the athletes, to be in top physical and mental condition. That is what we focused on and prepared for. I also see many accounts from former champions who went through periods of drought, then periods of success. I think it is an asset to have players who have been through these difficult moments and who can bring that experience and motivation to those discovering the World Cup for the first time. The goal is to build connections with the players, but also to have peace of mind to work on tactics.

Marquinhos “I think the pitch is where everything comes together.”

But I also believe that our energy on the pitch plays a crucial role. I have experienced difficult moments here with the national team, and at club level as well. I think the pitch is where everything comes together. It is what we bring there, our determination, the results. I think that, based on our experience at the Club World Cup, the heat, the fatigue, the dehydration, all of that played a crucial role. For us, having reached the final, those factors influenced the results, and the experience gained, as well as the adjustments made during training and preparation, will be important.

Marquinhos “chasing the game in this heat and given the state of the pitch is even more exhausting.”

The course of the match will also be decisive… The team that scores first, with the lead on the scoreboard, has a considerable advantage, because chasing the game in this heat and given the state of the pitch is even more exhausting. That is something I experienced at the Club World Cup, and I am trying to talk to my teammates about it. It is essential to stay focused. In the recent matches against Real Madrid and Chelsea, the team that was leading had a major advantage because of the heat and fatigue, and afterwards, chasing the game is very difficult. ”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.