Sporting Portugal/PSG: Nuno Mendes on pressure and challenges | OneFootball

Saturday, during the 7th matchday of the 2025-2026 Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain (1st) will face Sporting Portugal (14th) at the Parc des Princes (kick-off at 9pm, broadcast on Canal+). On the eve of this match, Parisian full-back Nuno Mendes (23 years old) answered several questions at a press conference.

Nuno Mendes: “We can be in good shape, the coach is managing the players well.”

Is there extra pressure returning to Sporting, your youth club?

No, it’s a source of pride to come back home. It will be a special match for me. So, we try to do our best. There will also be the pressure of a Champions League match. That’s life, that’s football. We’ll try to be at our best to win.

You seem to be in great physical shape, have you changed anything individually?

I think it’s partly my work, and also that of the technical staff. We manage rest well. I also try to do my best. My thighs are fine, I feel 200%. We try to rest, we have a lot of matches. We can be in good shape, the coach is managing the players well. I think I’m ready for tomorrow and we’re trying to be good for the season.

What are your habits in Lisbon?

This city is important to me, but I’m here to play against Sporting. I’m focused on tomorrow’s match, that’s the most important thing for me right now.

Nuno Mendes: “It’s complicated, teams try to do different things to beat us.”

There are 4 Portuguese internationals at PSG, there’s a real history within the club. How do you explain that?

I think we’re connected with football, we have good players, good coaches, and good sporting directors. That’s football, Luis Campos also knows Portuguese players well.

How is the team compared to last season? Are you gaining momentum?

Last season was a great season, it will be hard to match it. We try to be at our best, to do what we have to do on the pitch. We have a good group. It was an exceptional season, we’re trying to do the same. It’s complicated, teams try to do different things to beat us. We do our best to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Would you also do a panenka in a final like Diaz did during the AFCON? Do you understand him?

This question is for Brahim Diaz, I’m focused on PSG. If I have the opportunity, I’ll see at the moment. I’m focused on tomorrow’s match, that’s the most important thing.

Nuno Mendes: “We’re aware that Sporting will play to win. So will we.”

What’s your view on Sporting’s results? What should we expect tomorrow?

They’re having a great season, they have a lot of quality, high-level players. It will be a tough match, as always in the Champions League. We’re aware that Sporting will play to win. So will we.

You were developed at Sporting, who were your inspirations in football?

I was inspired by Marcelo and Jordi Alba. Those were the players I really liked.

Are you surprised by Sporting’s level in recent years?

No, it’s a very well-built club. There are top-level players, the coach as well. There was a difficult period, but Sporting is an important club in Portugal.

Nuno Mendes: “I hope it will be a Sporting that wants to play, as I know them, that wants to have the ball, that takes risks.”

Is PSG the favorite? What’s the percentage?

That’s not important. We want to play in the best way, with maximum professionalism. As in all Champions League matches. We have to play with authenticity, football intelligence.

What do you hope for tomorrow? A warm welcome?

It will be a great moment, I’d be happy if I’m applauded. But I’m here to represent PSG. Sporting means a lot to me. It’s a different match, for sure. I have a lot of respect for the group.

Are you expecting an attacking or defensive Sporting? How far do you see them going?

I hope it will be a Sporting that wants to play, as I know them, that wants to have the ball, that takes risks. It will be a very interesting, hard-fought match. I wish them all the best for the rest of the competition.

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