‘Even if we don’t have the biggest names…’ – Marquinhos happy with PSG’s collective shift following Kylian Mbappé departure | OneFootball

The project has evolved at Paris Saint-Germain since Luis Enrique’s arrival. In his first summer, both Lionel Messi and Neymar left the club; one year later, Kylian Mbappé followed them in making his departure.

The focus has gone from Galácticos and towards a collective strength, which has not gone unnoticed by his colleagues, most recently Stade Brestois manager Eric Roy, who noted PSG’s “collective strength” during their match over the weekend. In Mbappé’s absence, other players have stepped up with both Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé having strong goal-scoring starts to the season.

Marquinhos, recently re-elected as club captain, has responded to Luis Enrique’s recent comments about the collective strength at the Ligue 1 side. “He is experienced and he knew what he was saying,” he began, ahead of Les Parisiens’ UEFA Champions League opener against Girona.

‘Even if we don’t have big names, we are ready to achieve big things’ – Marquinhos

He added, “He knew other players would step up. [Dembélé and Barcola] are scoring, are happy, and are confident and that is the most important thing. The manager has led us with the philosophy that he wants for the club. It is an increasingly collective identity.”

Marquinhos doesn’t see the lack of “star power” at PSG as an impediment to them performing in the Champions League. “I always think that my teammates are the best in the world. This team will always be the best. Even if we don’t have big names, we are ready to try and achieve big things,” he said.

The Brazilian defender stated that the club’s objective was to “dream of going as far as possible” in the Champions League. Last season, PSG reached the semi-final stage of the competition.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle