Monaco v PSG: Zakaria says it's up to us to deliver | OneFootball

This Tuesday at 9pm (broadcast on Canal+) Paris Saint-Germain (2nd in Ligue 1) will face AS Monaco (8th) at the Stade Louis II as part of the first leg playoff (return leg on Wednesday, February 25) for the 2025-2026 Champions League. In a press conference, Monaco midfielder Denis Zakaria (29 years old) spoke about this match and the Parisian opponent.

Zakaria: “We’ll do everything to win.”

A psychological advantage with the win in December, as well as this weekend’s results?

No, not at all. It’s a different match, it’s the Champions League. They’ll come with the intention to win. It won’t be an easy match. It’s up to us to play a great game tomorrow.

Is it a good thing to face a PSG you know very well? Or is it more difficult?

It’s hard to say. We know PSG well, but whether that’s a good thing or not, I don’t know. In any case, we’re taking the match seriously, no matter the opponent. We’ll do everything to win.

Zakaria: “They’ll come determined, with the desire to win.”

As a player, does seeing the opposing vice-captain call on the team spirit help to remotivate and give more fighting spirit?

I don’t know if it can give them more fighting spirit, but it’s certain that after a defeat a team wants to react, to show something different. They’ll come determined, with the desire to win. It’s up to us to play a great game and be ready.

Beyond tomorrow’s match, is playing in defense something you’re considering for the future?

It’s not something I’m thinking about at the moment (smiles). I do it gladly if I need to help the team, but I haven’t thought about it for the long term.

Do you feel more comfortable in defense than in midfield lately?

Not necessarily, I think I’ve also had some very good matches in midfield. Of course, the last few matches have been positive in defense. I’ll play gladly, what matters is the team.

Zakaria: “We know that if we’re not at 100%, if we don’t play the perfect match, it will be complicated.”

How do you explain that Monaco has been doing better lately?

I think it’s largely because of the desire not to concede goals. We’ve conceded a lot, so it’s important to focus on defending better. We have to keep going like this, and we’ll score goals.

Two home wins in a row, does that give you even more confidence?

Of course, wins give you confidence, so yes. After that, we know we have a great opponent in front of us, that it will be difficult. We know that if we’re not at 100%, if we don’t play the perfect match, it will be complicated. It’s up to us to give our best.

How has Simon Adingra been since his arrival?

We’ve tried to integrate him in the best way possible, he’s a great player. He’s a very impactful player, and we’ll need him all season. He’s going to help us a lot.

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