Marquinhos’ strong message to PSG fans

Marquinhos and his teammates chose not to greet the parking lot of Parisian supporters on Sunday, in Auxerre. Federico Pestellini / PANORAMIC

Marquinhos (captain of PSG, after the 2-1 victory at Auxerre on Sunday ) : “We already have a hand on the trophy. We must conclude in (Strasbourg). We have to concentrate on our work, but it’s almost done. (…) We are not going to hide, many matches have gone like this during the season: we are starting well and there is a lot of relaxation at certain times in the match, as in the season. We have to change that and work on it tonight to be better next season. (on his extension) This is good news. I’m very happy, it’s an honor. The club trusts me in difficult times as well as in good times. It’s a very nice gesture. It gives me motivation, energy. I have to give everything on the pitch to honor this jersey. (…) It’s not our best season but it remains good with this title which is almost there and which remains important. We had seasons without a title, I know how much it hurts… We were eliminated in C1 and in the Cup, these goals are over. We are going to get this title in the next game to end the season well.

What needs to change for next season? Not many things. We can always progress, we must avoid slacking off during matches. It was a special season, with the World Cup in the middle. We got off to a good start. A lot of things changed after the World Cup, which pumped up a lot of energy and emotions. We couldn’t maintain our level after the World Cup… (on the fact that no Parisian player went to greet the supporters after the match) No, no message. We know the importance of supporters in the life of a club. I come from the Corinthians, I went to a good school (smile). Here it is no different. They are pionate, they give everything to be alongside this club, to vibrate during the matches. We know their importance. It’s a time when we have to think, them and us, so that we can continue to work together next season. We must take the same path, the same direction, to get our goals, titles and thrill our supporters. We’ve had good times this season, and others, more difficult ones… Players and supporters need to think things through so that we can do better next season..” (comments collected in the mixed zone)