PSG v Newcastle: Pacho on tactics, Chevalier, Marquinhos, Dro Fernandez | OneFootball

Wednesday, during the 8th day of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (6th) will face Newcastle (7th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9 PM, broadcast on Canal+). On the eve of this match, Parisian defender Willian Pacho (24 years old) answered several questions at a press conference.

Pacho "We are ready, all together."

Does this match feel like a round of 16?

I believe it's a very important match. It's true that we prepare this way, we are going to play for our qualification in the top 8. We feel very good, we know what type of match it is. It will be difficult, against a very tough opponent. We are ready, all together.

Newcastle likes to play behind, how are you preparing?

We have watched videos of the opponent, their style of play. It's a physical team, which plays very directly, behind. We have prepared to deliver the best possible match. We worked on both offense and defense. I hope I can help, I am ready.

Pacho "We hope that tomorrow he will be at his best to help us aim for victory."

What changes with Hakimi's return?

Hakimi is incredible defensively, but Warren Zaïre-Emery has done a great job in his absence. But Hakimi is very good in all aspects, he reads the game very well. We hope that tomorrow he will be at his best to help us aim for victory.

Kvaratskhelia and you adapted quickly. Does the youth of the team make adaptation easier?

Yes, as well as the staff. All of this helped me adapt in the best way. The club did everything to make me feel good, my family too, for everything around. The staff is very precise in what they ask. This helps to adapt in the best way.

Pacho "I have complete trust in him."

Chevalier is often criticized, how is it between you?

He is a great person, we see his work and his desire to win, the way he defends the team. It's very appreciable. We don't talk much, there might still be a small language issue. But I see the way he plays, I have complete trust in him. He always has the same desire and humility. He is always ready to face challenges. Things happen in football, but he is always there.

An objective to be the best in the world at your position?

When I arrived in Paris, my goal was to contribute a lot to the group. Being the best defender goes hand in hand with being in the best club. The strength of the group also helps, and on an individual level, you have to help the group. We have a very offensive team, so we always have to maintain concentration, pay attention to what happens when we lose the ball. I always give my best.

Pacho "He's a bit like a father to me."

Has Marquinhos helped you gain confidence? What is your relationship like?

He's a bit like a father to me, he's always there for everything, for everyone. He's a very special player since I arrived. He tells me to always keep my hunger, my desire to learn. He has helped me a lot, I try to learn from him. He has a lot of experience, qualities, I learn from him every day. I always want to improve and learn from the best, like him. We young players are here to learn from the elders.

A word on the arrival of Dro Fernandez?

I am very happy with his arrival. It's an exceptional group, every time he needs us, we will be there. We all have the desire to grow together. Luis Enrique helps us a lot, he gives us confidence. And he shows well that age doesn't prevent playing. If we work well, we have a chance to play.

What is your role on set-pieces?

Defensively, I try to contribute as much as possible, I am one of the tallest. I must always be attentive. Newcastle plays very well on these phases, it's one of their strengths. We have worked a lot on this point. In defensive and offensive terms, I will try to help, block players, score.

Pacho "You have to be attentive to how the action unfolds."

Do you work on anticipation daily? Does the coach ask for it?

It's a matter of reading the game. Anticipation is not always essential. You have to be attentive to how the action unfolds. You have to see how I can help the team. We attack a lot, so we have to look at what can happen if we lose the ball. We must not let players go on counter-attacks.

How do you forget last season to keep the desire to win everything?

We talk a lot about keeping the desire when you win, but the coach always emphasizes that you must not lose the hunger for victories. Last season is over, we must keep the desire to make history, to win titles, to improve. We always want to learn and win.

How was it to play against Woltemade in Germany? How will it be tomorrow?

There are very difficult opponents, he is one of them. We have to be very attentive, we have seen how Newcastle plays, very well with the ball and often behind. We must see how to limit their qualities. It will be a special match, to win the qualification.

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