The stage is set for a high-stakes European showdown as Paris Saint-Germain, currently sitting second in Ligue 1, prepares to face AS Monaco, who are eighth in the domestic standings. This crucial first leg of their 2025-2026 Champions League playoff will take place at the Stade Louis II on Tuesday at 9 p.m. CET, with the return fixture scheduled for Wednesday, February 25. Ahead of this significant encounter, Monaco midfielder Denis Zakaria, a 29-year-old Swiss international, addressed the media in a press conference, sharing his thoughts on the upcoming clash and their formidable Parisian opponents.
Zakaria’s Determination: “We’re Going to Do Everything We Can to Win”
When questioned about whether a previous victory in December or recent league results might offer a psychological edge, Zakaria was quick to dismiss the notion. “No, not at all,” he stated emphatically. “It’s a different match; it’s the Champions League. They’ll come with the intention of winning. It won’t be an easy match. It’s up to us to play a great game tomorrow.” This response highlights the professional mindset within the Monaco camp, acknowledging the elevated intensity and unique pressures of European competition.
Navigating the Familiarity of PSG
The prospect of facing a PSG side that Monaco knows intimately was also a topic of discussion. Zakaria admitted, “It’s hard to say.” He elaborated, “We know PSG well, but whether that’s a good thing or not, I don’t know. In any case, we’re taking the match seriously, regardless of the opponent. We’re going to do everything we can to win.” This pragmatic approach underscores that while familiarity might offer some tactical insights, the ultimate focus remains on their own performance and execution.
Anticipating PSG’s Response
Zakaria also touched upon the potential motivation of the opposing vice-captain’s call for teamwork. He pondered, “I don’t know if it can give them more grit, but it’s certain that after a defeat, a team wants to react, to show something different. They’ll come determined, with the desire to win. It’s up to us to play a great match and be ready.” This suggests an awareness of PSG’s likely approach – a strong, determined performance driven by a desire to bounce back from any perceived setbacks.
Zakaria’s Versatility: A Team-First Mentality
Beyond the immediate focus on PSG, Zakaria was asked about his willingness to play defensively and if this is a consideration for his long-term future. With a smile, he responded, “It’s not something I’m thinking about right now. I do it gladly if it helps the team, but I haven’t thought about it in the long term.” This indicates a selfless attitude, prioritising the team’s needs over individual positional preferences.
When pressed on whether he feels more comfortable in defence than midfield lately, Zakaria offered a balanced perspective. “Not necessarily,” he replied. “I think I’ve also had some very good matches in midfield. It’s true that the last few matches have been positive in defense. I’ll play with pleasure; the important thing is the team.” This reiterates his commitment to contributing wherever he is most effective for Monaco.
Monaco’s Resurgence: A Defensive Foundation
The recent improvement in Monaco’s form was attributed by Zakaria to a renewed emphasis on defensive solidity. “I think it’s largely due to this desire not to concede goals,” he explained. “We’ve conceded a lot, so it’s important to focus on defending better. We have to keep going like this, and we’ll score goals.” This suggests a strategic shift, recognising that a strong defensive base is crucial for sustained success and for creating opportunities to score.
Building Confidence Through Victories
The impact of consecutive home wins on the team’s confidence was also addressed. “Wins definitely give you confidence, so yes,” Zakaria confirmed. However, he quickly tempered this with a realistic assessment of the task ahead. “However, we know we have a great opponent ahead of us, and it will be difficult. We know that if we’re not at 100%, if we don’t play a perfect game, it will be difficult. It’s up to us to give our best.” This highlights a mature understanding of the challenges posed by a top-tier opponent like PSG.
Welcoming a New Talent: Simon Adingra’s Impact
Finally, Zakaria shared his thoughts on the recent arrival of Simon Adingra. “We’ve tried to integrate him as best we can; he’s a great player,” he said. “He’s a very impactful player, and we’ll need him all season. He’s going to help us a lot.” This indicates that Adingra has been successfully integrated into the squad and is seen as a valuable asset who will play a significant role in Monaco’s campaign. The team appears to be looking forward to leveraging his abilities as they embark on their Champions League journey.
