Neves Reflects on Hard-Fought Champions League Progression: “We’re Going to Grow as a Team”
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder João Neves, a promising 21-year-old talent, paused in the mixed zone following the team’s dramatic 2-2 draw against AS Monaco. The encounter, held at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, marked the second leg of the 2025-2026 Champions League playoffs, ultimately seeing PSG advance with a 5-4 aggregate victory. Despite securing qualification, Neves acknowledged the challenges faced and offered insights into the team’s mindset moving forward.
A Gritty Qualification Against a Formidable Opponent
When asked about the nature of the qualification, Neves described it as a “difficult match.” He was quick to acknowledge the quality of their opponents, stating, “We’re talking about Monaco, a great team.” Despite the draw on the night, the young midfielder expressed his belief that PSG had the upper hand, remarking, “I think we were better, even though we only drew.” He further elaborated on the fine margins of such contests, suggesting that in a different scenario, the scoreline could have been more favourable: “In a match like that, if you play it several times, you score more goals.”
The Quest for Perfection: What’s Still Missing?
Despite the elation of progressing in Europe’s premier club competition, a subtle sense of incompleteness lingered in the air. When pressed on whether something still felt “missing,” Neves deferred to the coaching staff. “I don’t know, we’ll see on Thursday,” he said. “The coach will tell us during the week what we can improve.” He reiterated his positive assessment of the team’s performance, even if it wasn’t their absolute best: “I think we played a good match, maybe not our best. But that’s how it is, that’s football.” He concluded this thought by highlighting the learning opportunities presented by tough games: “There are difficult matches like today’s, but we’ll grow as a team.”
Learning and Evolving: The Path Forward
Looking ahead to the remainder of the Champions League campaign, Neves emphasised the importance of extracting lessons from every fixture. He views each challenge as a stepping stone for development. “It’s like any other match,” he explained. “There are difficulties, and that’s how we grow.” The midfielder stressed the team’s commitment to self-improvement: “We’ll look at our mistakes and improve.” While acknowledging a solid performance, he maintained a critical perspective: “We played well, not very well.”
Unwavering Confidence Under Pressure
The intensity of a Champions League playoff tie can often lead to moments of anxiety. However, Neves revealed a remarkable lack of fear during the match. “No, not at all,” he stated emphatically when asked if he felt afraid. “There’s time, we’re never afraid during a match. It’s PSG.” This confidence underscores the historic pedigree and mental fortitude associated with the club.
Luis Enrique’s Halftime Counsel: Encouragement with a Focus on Improvement
Contrary to any assumptions of an angry outburst, Neves confirmed that manager Luis Enrique remained composed at halftime. “No, not at all,” he responded when asked if the coach was displeased. Instead, Enrique was described as “happy, but he was hoping for more goals.” The tactical advantage of playing with an extra player was also noted as a factor that could have simplified the game. At the break, the manager’s focus was on constructive guidance, as Neves explained: “But at halftime, he told us what we need to do better.” This approach highlights a management style centred on clear communication and a drive for continuous enhancement, even amidst success. The team’s journey in the Champions League is clearly one of ongoing development, with each match serving as a crucial learning experience on their quest for glory.
