Marquinhos: 'The team is making progress'
Named in the Ligue Conforama All-Star team for 2017-18, Parisian defender Marquinhos takes a look back at the season that was.
Despite the arrival of new faces, the team quickly hit its stride at the beginning of the season. How do you explain this excellent start to the campaign?
"It's true that there were quite a few changes, with some important players arriving. We were impressed by how quickly they adapted. We saw some beautiful football right away and that gave us a great start to the season. The arrival of two great new players helped the team move to the next level. We showed that out on the pitch, especially in the UEFA Champions League group stage."
What was the UEFA Champions League double-header against Real Madrid like for you?
"We were up against a very experienced and dangerous side. We had to pay attention not to get forward too quickly, as they're very dangerous on the counter. In the return leg, we did everything we could to turn in a good performance, but I don't think we were up to the task. Real know how to win that kind of match, even though they were going through a delicate phase in their league. They performed well and were extremely effective at the right moment. The two matches were very different, but the results were almost identical. It was a huge disappointment, but it provided us with an opportunity to grow."
Right after that, the team showed it's capacity for bouncing back, winning the league and both cups…
"Yes, because we weren't only thinking about the Champions League. Ligue 1 Conforama is not any easy competition to win, you have to maintain a very high level of focus. The team is making progress. We're on the right track. By winning those three domestic titles after being knocked out of the Champions League, the team gave the best possible response while also bringing our fans something to cheer about."
What was your favourite moment of the season?
"I really liked our first six months of competition. We really played very well. When everything is going well, it makes your work much easier. After the winter break, things got a bit tougher as I picked up an injury. But overall, I'm happy with my performances and to have been named in the Ligue 1 Conforama All-Star team."
