Marquinhos: 'Some good things to go for'
At the start of his sixth season in the French capital, Marquinhos looks back on his Paris career so far and ahead to the exciting challenges to come.
Marqui, how are you approaching this new season in Rouge-et-Bleu?
"It's only the start, but I already feel more mature than during previous seasons. Since my arrival at the club, I have picked up a lot of experience, I have learned a lot. Today, I think there are some good things to go for."
What's your relationship with coach Thomas Tuchel like?
"He's a very intelligent person, he knows how to handle the squad. He also knows when to bend our ears. I've only been working with him for three or four weeks, but I already know him well. He keeps the atmosphere relaxed, but it's time to work, he makes himself understood easily."
Have you already seen any tactical changes?
"Straight away, he imposed upon us a high level of intensity. He asks for a maximum press when you lose the ball. He wants the team to go forward quickly as soon as we win the ball back. He likes to see his team play it simple to try and find space. We know that French teams are very good defensively, so you have to be very quick during transition phases to find space. That's what we work on in training."
Angers arrive on Saturday for the third league game of the season. What sort of game do you expect?
"Angers are a very strong team physically. They know their qualities and know full well how to exploit them. We'll have to be strong and compact to not let them make the most of their good periods in the game."