"If I were neutral, I'd want to watch the game" - all quotes before FCB vs. PSG | OneFootball

Bayern Munich vs. Paris Saint-Germain: this matchup has become one of Europe's biggest matches and newest rivalries in recent years! This time, both teams will meet on a global stage - the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Many are calling it an “early final” and can see the winner of this matchup becoming the next Club World Cup champions. Check out all the most important stats for the game in this article!

Here are all the quotes from Bayern and PSG players and coaches in interviews and press conferences before the game:

Vincent Kompany (coach, Bayern Munich):

On the game: (1) “PSG are the reigning Champions League winners. They're a strong opponent and have had big success recently. I expect them to be at their best. It's a big challenge for us; I always like playing against the best opponents. That's why we're here.”

(2) “If I were neutral, I'd want to watch the game. PSG have developed superbly, which is impressive. They're a complete team. We have to work as a complete team, too, attacking and defending wise - as we always do. Tactics can always change, but in such big games, it's always about principles. We won the last game against PSG, but it was a close match. We want to win again - that's all that matters.”

(3) “It's a fantastic challenge for us. They won three trophies and we have the chance to beat them now - playing against such a team is simply great.”

(4) “We won't have possession the entire time. It will be a game of principles. Both teams don't place the greatest emphasis on possession, but rather on winning the ball. That's a similarity. In these games, you have to earn the right to have space, to win back the ball, to create goal scoring chances. Games like these test us in every way and are always very close.”

On Musiala's fitness: “We will have to see. It's important to be 100% mentally fit. Fortunately, we still have him at the tournament after he was subbed off against Boca. We'll see what his role can be, but he's been training the past few days and is taking the right steps. We'll decide what's best for the team and stay sensible.”

On the weather conditions: “This is the first time I'm not already sweating during the press conference. That says a lot about the difference [to previous match places]. We always try to minimize things we can't control. It's the same for both teams and the weather is part of it. If you only focus mentally on the heat, you'll lose something even before the game starts.”

On several players on a yellow card already: “Advancing is the goal. Once we've achieved that, we'll then look ahead and make the best out of the situation we're in. We're playing against the European champions, we need to be fully focused on that.”

On Konrad Laimer: “I think he has spoken with his performances this season. In this role, what we do with the full-backs, he just fits in and has a lot of impact. He has been very reliable. His task [against Kvaratskhelia and Mendes] won't be easy, but it won't be the first time for him.”

On Bayern's squad fitness: “Almost all of our players are fit and at 100% - that's very important in such an important game. We had nine injured players against Inter in the Champions League quarter-finals. Now we're in a completly different situation.”

On the opponent PSG: “Their development is exciting to watch. After our win against them in November 2024, it wasn't an easy time for the coach [Luis Enrique]. They stayed calm and disciplined and that paid off for them. Now, the perspective of this game has completly changed. It's interesting to see what's happened in the past six months.”

On his own beard: “I didn't want to focus on that, it just happens sometimes. I don't know when I'll shave yet. It's not a playoff tradition. I was hoping no one would notice.”

Luis Enrique (coach, Paris Saint-Germain):

“It's a game against one of the best teams in the world. We've already faced Bayern this season; we know them. It'll be an open game with two attacking teams. I'm sure the fans will appreciate it. We want to win and progress in the competition, that's our clear goal.”

On his players talking about revenge against Bayern: “For me it's different. I don't have any feelings of revenge. Revenge for what? A league-stage match? Now it will be a quarter-final and for me, that's enough to be motivated.”

On Bradley Barcola's future: “We like the fact that our players are interesting to other clubs. But he's one of those young players we've been banking on. He's had an outstanding season. I expect him to play here for many more years - and I think he wants to. So I have no doubt he'll remain our player.”

Joshua Kimmich (player, Bayern Munich):

On the opponent PSG: “Their biggest strength is their collective. Every one of their players is dangerous.”

On what Bayern should improve [compared to the Flamengo game]: “We have to concede fewer goals. We can't score four goals in every game.”

Dayot Upamecano (player, Bayern Munich):

“PSG are not the favourites in this game - at this level, there are no favourites. Both team want to progress - there is no time for friendships.”