PSG v Atalanta: De Roon on a great Champions League test | OneFootball

This Wednesday at 9 PM (broadcast on Canal+) Paris Saint-Germain faces Atalanta at the Parc des Princes as part of the first day of the 2025-2026 Champions League. In a press conference, Marten De Roon, a 34-year-old midfielder from the Italian club, spoke about this match and the Parisian opponent, with the keys to the game.

De Roon "a great desire to show that we truly deserve to play this match."

What does such a match represent, against the reigning champion?

Playing the most beautiful competition there is always a great satisfaction. Last year, we had a great season and we deserved to play this match. After that, I don't know if it's better to start by playing the European Champion (smile). It will be in a very beautiful stadium, it's a great challenge for us. I think we can be proud to be here. We have a great desire to show that we truly deserve to play this match.

What do you think of the current Champions League format?

I like it a lot. Because each match can decide everything. We saw it during the last day last year, many teams could still qualify or be eliminated. We have to prepare each match well. Tomorrow will be the most difficult match, against the best team. We must have courage, pride, and give everything to achieve something.

De Roon "we want to fight with them and match their level, or even a bit above."

What battle do you expect in the midfield?

It will be a very difficult challenge. There's Vitinha, Neves, Ruiz, whom I already know from facing him in Naples. They are very high-level players. I have a lot of respect for them. But on the field, we want to fight with them and match their level, or even a bit above (smile).

What memories do you have of the 2020 quarter-final?

There are always regrets, we were so close, 5 minutes from the semi-final. It was also a strange period, a bit sad without the supporters. I don't want to think too much about it, I am focusing on tomorrow's match.

De Roon "I emphasize enjoying it, not being afraid."

What will you say to your teammates?

I believe that for this match, there's no need to add motivation. As was the case in the past against Liverpool. I emphasize enjoying it, not being afraid. We have nothing to lose. We must play with courage, with pride. With the right mentality, we can't go wrong.

Is it better to play such a difficult match on the first or last day?

I can only answer that after tomorrow's match (laughs).

A word for the supporters?

I spoke of pride, it comes with the supporters. We are happy with their presence, we feel their support at every match. We hope they will sing loudly.

Finally a goal for you in the Champions League?

I know I haven't scored yet in the Champions League (smile), but I don't think about it too much. The essential thing is how the team plays. If it comes, it comes. If not, so be it.

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