Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) captain Marquinhos is confident the French giants can end their long wait for Champions League glory when they face Inter Milan in Saturday’s final in Munich.
Speaking on the eve of the match at the Allianz Arena, the Brazilian defender said the team had matured through years of heartbreak and is now ready to write a historic chapter.
“The club has learnt how to deal with games like these,” Marquinhos told reporters.
Read Also: Champions League Final: PSG and Inter Milan battle for biggest trophy
“A lot has changed at PSG since I arrived. There have been great times and difficult ones, but tomorrow we have a glorious opportunity to do something remarkable for this club. I don’t want to let it pass us by.”
PSG return to the Champions League final five years after their 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in Lisbon during the pandemic. Marquinhos, 31, is one of only two players from that squad still at the club, the other being Presnel Kimpembe.
Since joining PSG in 2013, Marquinhos has experienced both euphoric victories and painful exits, most notably the infamous 6-1 collapse against Barcelona in 2017, following a 4-0 win in the first leg.
Ironically, PSG’s current manager, Luis Enrique, was on the Barca bench that night.
“We now have an exceptional coach who has prepared us incredibly well,” Marquinhos said. “Even if we are a young team, you can see how ready we are. The club has grown, the quality of players has grown, and that’s why we are here today.”
Despite losing Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid last summer, PSG have thrived this season, winning a domestic double and knocking out three Premier League sides, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal, on their way to the final.
“Now is the time to get the trophy and bring it home,” added Marquinhos.
Also speaking at the pre-match press conference was Ousmane Dembélé, who has flourished under Enrique. Transitioned from a winger into a prolific striker, Dembélé has netted 33 goals across all competitions and emerged as a Ballon d’Or contender.
“It wasn’t easy at the start of the season, but we’ve completely changed the dynamic,” said Dembélé. “We feel joy to be here, but also know we must be serious; it’s a final.”
Luis Enrique, who won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015, now has a chance to join an elite group of coaches to win the trophy with two different clubs.
“Ten years on, I have more experience. This is a historic opportunity. We’re ready, Inter are too, and I expect a great final. Our aim is simple: to win it,” Enrique concluded.
