Paris Saint-Germain and Internazionale Milan meet in the 2025 UEFA men’s Champions League final this Saturday (31 May).
In Saturday's Champions League final against Inter Milan, PSG captain Marquinhos is optimistic that the French team will handle the pressure and finally win the trophy, ending years of futility in the competition.
"The club has learnt as time has gone on about how to deal with games like these, what it needs to do," the Brazilian defender told reporters in Munich on the eve of the game.
"A lot of things have changed at PSG since I arrived. There have been great times, difficult times, but tomorrow (Saturday) we have a glorious opportunity to do something remarkable and historic for this club.
"It will be my second final and I don't want to let the opportunity pass us by."
PSG is making their second appearance in the Champions League final after suffering a close loss to Bayern Munich in Lisbon during the pandemic, five years ago.
Marquinhos, 31, is one of just two players who appeared in the 2020 final and are still with PSG; the other is fellow centre-back Presnel Kimpembe.
Luis Enrique's tactical adjustments have allowed PSG to transition smoothly in their first season without Kylian Mbappe. Due to Luis Enrique's philosophical shift from a superstar-centric model to a disciplined and youthful approach, they are favorites this season.
"We have a coach who is exceptional and has prepared us really well. Even if we are a very young team you can see how ready we are for these games," Marquinhos added.
"I think there is a whole mix of things which have come together to bring us here in the best condition possible – the club has grown, the incredible coach we have, the quality players who have come in. I think that is why we are here today."
Alongside him was Ousmane Dembele, who has undergone the biggest transformation. The individualist is now playing for the team. Moved from the wing to the centre, he is constantly developing the attacking play as a goalscorer and playmaker with 33 goals in all competitions. He is now a contender to win the Ballon d'Or due to this.
"I am really proud to be here in the final. We have worked so hard," said Dembele.
"It wasn't easy at the start of the campaign but we have changed the dynamic in the second half of the season and it is exceptional to be here in Munich for the final. We feel lots of joy even though we are going to take the game very seriously."
Image credit:- Paris Saint-Germain Football Club