Marco Verratti recently opened up in an extensive interview with Marca, sharing insights from his new chapter at Al Duhail in Qatar. The former PSG midfielder delved into various topics, notably his experiences against Real Madrid and his thoughts on Kylian Mbappé, a player he knows well from their time together in Paris.
Verratti’s reflections on facing Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League highlight the unique challenges posed by the Spanish giants. “It’s tough to explain,” he admitted. “Whenever we thought they were down and out, they seemed to rise again. They could dominate possession only 30% of the time but still managed to strike lethal blows.” He emphasized Madrid’s pragmatic style of play, where they could capitalize on brief moments of dominance to score multiple goals, contrasting sharply with teams that rely heavily on ball possession for success. “While other teams need the ball to win, Madrid thrives without it. They could play well for just 10 minutes and score three goals while we struggled to find the net despite dominating for 80 minutes,” he noted.
Memorable Encounters
One moment that stands out for Verratti is the infamous elimination of PSG at the Santiago Bernabéu. “What happened in Madrid was inexplicable… They only played well for 10 minutes but managed to score three goals against us,” he recalled, underlining the psychological edge that Real Madrid often holds in high-stakes matches.
Kylian Mbappé’s Impact
Shifting focus to his former teammate Kylian Mbappé, Verratti praised the French forward’s adaptability and success at PSG. “He had to adjust to his new club, but he has scored a lot of goals and has won both the Pichichi and the Golden Shoe. This season, he is proving he can achieve even more. There’s no one else like him in the world right now.”
Verratti also defended Mbappé against criticism regarding PSG’s struggles in the Champions League. “It’s unfair to attribute our failures solely to Kylian’s departure. With him, we reached both the semi-finals and finals, but we didn’t win. Real Madrid has consistently triumphed with their exceptional squad,” he stated. He emphasized that Mbappé significantly contributed to PSG’s growth during his tenure there.
As both players continue their careers—Verratti in Qatar and Mbappé at PSG—their legacies remain intertwined with pivotal moments that have shaped European football. How will their paths evolve moving forward? Fans are eager to witness their journeys unfold.
Comments
0 comments
Sign in to comment