Marquinhos (PSG captain, after the 1-0 defeat at Dortmund): “What was missing? The goals… We also conceded a goal on a detail, a situation that we had worked on, we shouldn’t concede a goal like that, on a through ball. It’s the kind of detail that makes the difference in a semi-final… In the second half, we had a lot of chances but we didn’t manage to capitalize on them. It was an open match, with two teams who really wanted to play offensively, control the match and have the ball. The first period was a little low compared to our expectations, what we wanted. It was better in the second half, we were better able to press them, to play, to create more chances. Now it’s 1-0, we bring this defeat to Paris… We know our strength there. We know we can do it, we have already shown it. Now we just have to work hard during this week, see what we can improve. I’m sure the coach will show us things we didn’t do well and we will improve for the next match.
Reasons for hope? Today’s match gives me hope, it shows what we can do much better in Paris. We weren’t having our best night and yet we had opportunities to score and bring a draw to Paris, or even win. We had two posts, chances with Fabi (Ruiz) on the crosses… We had a lot of chances. We just need to improve this last gesture. I am sure that in Paris, history will change. And the balloons that we did not manage to materialize, we will succeed in doing so. The goal ? We have this desire to move forward, to press. This is our mentality but we know that when the defender is not put under pressure, we have to be careful with the depth… We went too far forward, we left space in the depth and we also need to improve that for the next match.” (comments collected in mixed zone)
Gigio Donnarumma (PSG goalkeeper): “It’s a real shame with all these missed opportunities… It’s also a shame for this first period, during which we suffered two or three chances. But we saw a good team. It’s always difficult to play here. There are incredible supporters. Ours too… Next Tuesday, at the Parc des Princes, they will certainly be incredible. For us, it is important to always have them with us. Too bad for the result, but it’s only the first period. And I’m sure it will be another match in Paris. The team gave everything to win. Too bad… But it’s still open. The locker room ? Everyone is positive. We were nervous for this evening (smile), but positive for the return match. Reasons for hope? We’re gonna give everything. I know the team will give everything to get to the final, it’s very important.” (comments collected in mixed zone)
Achraf Hakimi (PSG defender): “We are sad for the result. We did not convert our chances in the second half. We knew what Borussia was going to do, with these long balls, the depth… We had to be focused on these aspects. We dominated the entire match. Now we have to rest and think about the return match. Reasons for hope? At home, it will be different, we will have our supporters, we will be in our stadium, the atmosphere will be different. I have a lot of confidence in this team. The chances we had today will come in the second leg.” (on Canal)
