The group is living well - David Ramos / AP / SIPA

From our special correspondent in Lisbon,

Seeing the way Nasser Al-Khelaïfi took Thomas Tuchel in his arms to congratulate him and the relief on the latter's face after the victory against Atalanta, one could almost believe that PSG had just won its first Ligue des champions. Unfortunately for the Parisians, there are still two steps to be taken but we feel that the passage of the cape, a first since 1995 and therefore an unprecedented fact under the Qatari era, is good for everyone at the club. Unless it's the other way around. Everyone is doing well, so the club is moving forward. It is rather in this direction that Neymar's words go in the post-match interview.

“We live strong things, we really have a great group, a family. It's impossible to put us out of the competition with this mindset. Until the end, I knew that a ball could reach me, that we could score even after having scored our first goal. »Choupo-Moting abounds. “We have a good time together on and off the pitch. »With a return to the forefront of Maestro Kimpembe, number 1 broadcaster of videos and stories on the atmosphere within the team. 

The bench is full

While it is true that we would have liked to see more solidarity between the Parisians earlier in the match, especially in the offensive sector, it is also true that the way in which some tear up for others in defense makes it possible to realize the osmosis that reigns in the group. The way the substitutes feel concerned regardless of their usual playing time is also a good sign. The whims and ego wars for a few more minutes on the ground will wait. "The bench was exceptional with a good spirit", rejoices Thomas Tuchel. The replacements are so popular that Ander Herrera, holder against Bergamo, does not refuse the right to be in the semi-finals. “I played today, but if I don't play next time, I'll be ready to help. "

Should we see in the scenario of the match, the words of the players and their post-victory hugs, a collective click? This is the theory of the president. “We need that to change our mentality, we had something that was blocking us. But today I promise you the club wants to give 200% more. Everyone said that Paris was not ready, and we proved that we have a great mentality. "

A long term job

Thomas Tuchel is a little less a fan of the click theory. For him, this internal bond is the fruit of long work. And if there is a key date, he prefers to retain that of the eighth-final second leg of the Champions League at the Parc des Princes.

“After Dortmund, I had the impression that the team created an atmosphere together. They all wanted to show that they have the mental quality to do great things. It was the best time to confirm it. The last week [of preparation in Faro for three days] was exceptional in spirit, in the atmosphere. A mix between concentration and a smile. If you want to stay mentally in a game like this, you have to prepare before and not for a week or two. It's been two years since this team created this. "

What if, in the end, birthdays between teammates and other parties were better than all the training in the world? A theory to be explored but not too far either, otherwise Mauro Icardi would be a little fitter.

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  • Marquinhos
  • PSG
  • Thomas tuchel
  • Champions League