Colin Abgrall 8:00 p.m., March 09, 2022

As Paris Saint-Germain play their qualification for the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday evening against Real Madrid (to be continued on Europe 1 from 9 p.m.), Marco Verratti gave an exclusive interview to Europe 1. The midfielder answers questions from Lionel Rosso, Cédric Chasseur, Jimmy Algerino and Fabien Onteniente.

An interview broadcast in full in "Europe 1 Sport".

EXCLUSIVE

At only 29 years old, Marco Verratti is the dean of Paris Saint-Germain.

Arrived almost ten years ago on the Porte d'Auteuil side, he will be of key importance, Wednesday evening, against Real Madrid, for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Victorious 1-0 in the first leg at the Parc des Princes, the Parisians know that nothing is done in this confrontation against the multiple winner of the competition.

For Europe 1, the Italian midfielder talks about this meeting but also his controversial relationship with the referees of the French championship and his teammate Kylian Mbappé.

Confidence restored after the first leg: "We play like a great team"

"We always had (confidence). But it's the kind of game that helps you understand the values ​​of the team even more. We play like a great team with or without the ball. We can win against n "No matter who. On the other side too, we know that they have very confident players, who have already won everything so you never know how a match can end. You will have to put all the ingredients together."

How to approach this return match?

“We will have chances”

"We must not calculate. We must go there to play and not to think about the first or second half. Go there knowing that we can win. We will have chances. We must take advantage of this kind of game, in a big stadium for a big Champions League game. There is everything to live a magnificent evening."

What to expect from Real Madrid?

"They are going to change something"

"There are no favourites. We have a small advantage, but it will be a totally different match. They suffered a lot at home so they will change things. We have to prepare well for the match collectively and individually. We will have to win the duels individually and that will bring a lot to the collective. So you have to be 100% physically and mentally. They will surely be higher and more aggressive. They are at home and they must win to pass. We will be prepared for everything, whether they come get us or not. If they come, we'll have more space behind. But they also like to defend low, we saw that in the first leg. We had possession but we didn't have a lot of chances Everyone has their own tactic but I think they will change something."

On the sensations of the first leg: "We had fun"

"I like to be in control of the game and that's what we felt. We played our way and that helped us a lot. We got the balls back quickly, which helped us a lot too. The battle in the middle , it's very important. It brings balance, the advantage over the opponent and control of the match. We had fun because these are matches that we dream of playing."

This match, a new turning point in the history of PSG?

“We have a big project”

"These are matches that will be part of the club's history, that's for sure. We have a big project, that of winning the Champions League. We try every year and we put all the ingredients in to get there. We will continue like this and continue to give everything. The last two years, we have had a great journey even without winning. We fight like every team, who have the same mentality as us. We must not have any regrets. We have to give it our all and see how it ends."

On the sanctions of the Disciplinary Committee: "I took out a word that should not be said"

"I was happy to go there to explain myself. I took out a word that should not be said. But it was more about respect, because in this match (against Nantes, February 19) , there were double standards. But I didn't want to say anything about the referee. I'm the first to make mistakes and we missed a lot of chances that night. We didn't lose. because of the referee. Now I have to accept the decision. On the one hand I am a little relieved, and on the other I thought I was not taking anything. It is not a problem and they understood what I told them."

On his relationship with the referees: "I have never insulted or attacked a referee"

"I hope they will understand. I have never insulted or attacked a referee. When you talk to the referee, you play with adrenaline and passion, you want to win. I could also get angry by playing football with my best friend! We have important games, we play under a lot of pressure. If we don't win, there are a lot of things behind. That's why I think they'll understand that I have nothing against them but that I'm just a bit like that. If I have to say a word to help a friend, to run a race, I do it without hesitation. I speak with the referees because they are part of the game and they can be decisive. Talking without attacking or insulting, that seems normal to me when you want to win."

On Kylian Mbappé: "I don't see anyone up to him"

he is at least in the top three.

He makes the difference and in our football it's hard to make the difference he is making at the moment.

In the Champion's League or in the championship, it's a huge plus."

The return of Neymar: "He surprised everyone"

"He did an exceptional job. We saw him training every day to be there. He came back in shape and that surprised everyone, even him. He is in good shape, he is very happy. It's hard to be left out. Sometimes he has very complicated injuries. He receives insults when he gets injured, although it can happen to anyone. And it's hard mentally because you want to help the team. team and having fun with your teammates. In top form, he is extraordinary and he has already proven it."

Marco Verratti, a more mature player?

“Four or five years that I no longer have this behavior”

"I feel very good mentally, physically and I think it shows on the pitch. I had problems too, like everyone else, which sometimes drag you down. I played very important matches in being injured where I couldn't make a pass, where I wasn't in top form. But now I'm fine and I'm happy to be able to help the team. When I arrived here, I was I was young, and maybe I wasn't doing everything a professional should do. But I was 20. I haven't behaved like that for four or five years now. I also had injuries. a little stupid who slowed me down. It prevents you from being regular, from finding rhythm, from chaining and today I feel good to do all that."