Pau Quesada: "The Champions League begins against a great opponent, with our fans, and the team is very motivated"

Pau Quesada and Lakrar addressed the media at the Ciudad Real Madrid the day before the match against Paris Saint-Germain, corresponding to the first matchday of the group stage of the Women's Champions League, to be played at the Di Stéfano (Tuesday, 9:00 pm CEST; Disney+). Our coach analyzed the match: "The Champions begins here at the Di Stéfano. It’s against a great opponent. We know each other well from last season. They maintain their core and their approach. It’s going to be a very entertaining match to watch because, apart from trying to play, they constantly threaten the spaces, and it’s going to require us to deliver a very, very good version of ourselves. PSG is a very complete team with the ability to constantly threaten behind. We are ready because we have already faced this type of team before, and we are very eager to start against a great rival, with our fans, and highly motivated.”

“Last year, the team was characterized by having a lot of control and pressing high. In the end, we forced the opposing team to play very directly, and from there, we controlled and were very dynamic in the final third. Against this type of team, it’s challenging to maintain high pressing because they can find the space behind, but it’s something our backline allows because we have players who win many duels and defend depth well. We want to reproduce these strengths regardless of the opponent.”

The objective in the competition
“Our intention is to try to improve on last year, where I think we had a very good Champions. We only fell to Arsenal in a great match in London and then in the quarterfinals against Barça. The goal is to replicate what we did last year, and once we reach the round of 16 and quarterfinals, have the capacity to keep advancing. We know the club has been among the top eight in Europe for two consecutive seasons. We’re going to try to improve and make it into the final four.”

Praise for Elisa
“Last year, when we started analyzing Frankfurt, I saw a player who fit exactly my idea of what a midfielder should be as the engine of the team. The first leg against Frankfurt confirmed my feelings in person, and the return leg as well. We started working on that option because it aligned with where we wanted to build the team, that identity I always say begins from midfield. She’s a player who gives us a lot of balance and perfectly understands everything we ask of her offensively and defensively. She’s allowing us to consolidate our playing identity. She’s fit in very well and is an incredible person. We are very happy to have her.”

Lakrar: “It’s going to be a very tough opponent, but we’ll be ready”
“It’s going to be a very tough opponent, but we’ll be ready. I know PSG very well. I’ve played with many players who are there. They have a lot of fast players, very quick, and we’re going to work today to be ready. I’m only thinking about tomorrow’s match, and what we want right now is to win and take the three points.”

Recovered from her injury
“I had a very complicated injury last year and played many matches with a lot of discomfort. I’ve always given everything for the team, but this summer, I preferred to return calmly. Now I’m ready, I’m putting that behind me, and I’ll be ready to help the team. Looking forward to playing against PSG.”

Her captaincy last Saturday
“I didn’t expect it, but I’m very happy to have been able to wear this armband with this jersey. With great pride and respect, but I think I gave my all during that match, and for me, wearing the armband doesn’t change anything. I wore it with pride.”

Playing at the Bernabéu someday
"Everyone dreams of playing in a stadium like that, but I don’t think... I’m only thinking about tomorrow’s match and what we want right now is to win and take the three points".

 

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.