Vitinha: The current PSG is stronger than last year

In an interview, PSG player Vitinha expressed that although the team lost a star player like Kylian Mbappé, this has not weakened the team’s strength but instead has encouraged other players to take on more responsibility.

Do you think this PSG team can perform well in the Champions League and compete with Europe’s other top clubs? 
Vitinha:"I won't sit here and tell you we can't. I'm sure we can. Even if we're young, even if we don't have much experience in the Champions League, we’re a very talented team. The players may not be as famous, but I don’t think that matters. I believe we're stronger than last year. This is natural. You don’t start at your best right away but improve over the season. I think we’re already better, and we’ll keep improving. In the Champions League, we won against Girona, lost to Arsenal, and didn’t beat PSV. But we’re not panicking because, as I said, we played well. We felt we could win, except for the match against Arsenal, which was a bit different. We’re capable of achieving success in the Champions League. Like the fans, we also want to perform well and win, and we’ll do everything we can.”

The big summer story was Mbappé’s transfer to Real Madrid. People were wondering, "How will PSG recover from losing such a star?" He scored a lot of goals. Luis Enrique said he would find ways to solve this with a team approach. For you, is PSG weaker without Mbappé?  
Vitinha: “No, for me, PSG is stronger now than last year. And this trend will continue. It’s normal; the team lost one of the best players in the world, a player who scored 50 goals, which naturally changes the team, changes the performance, changes everything, but not for the worse.”

Luis Enrique has mentioned that more players need to score, as when you lose a player who scores 50 goals, that responsibility is spread out. Before Enrique arrived, PSG was known for its star power. Now, it feels like PSG has more professionalism…  
Vitinha: "Yes, I experienced that time too. I feel that training is now more intense, as it should be. We’re also improving in this aspect. We’re very serious in training, doing everything we can to be at our best in games."

You experienced PSG with Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé, who are no longer here. Players now can play in different positions, which is an interesting aspect of Luis Enrique’s PSG. Personally, are you enjoying playing football more now?  
Vitinha: “Yes, it’s incomparable. As a player, when you have a younger team, full of energy and eager to do things, it’s very different. With an older group, it’s not that they lack desire, but the approach is different. When you’re more experienced, you might focus more on management, even in training. The games are different too. I’m not saying it’s better or worse, but there’s clearly a difference.”

I imagine you players want to improve together, while star players often rely on their established achievements. They already know they’re at the top. And you’re in a growth phase. Does this make you more attached to the club?  
Vitinha: “Yes, absolutely. Each year you grow more attached to the club. This is my third year. I feel very good here, and I want to continue, both for the team and personally.”

This is important, as the club has suffered in recent years from players lacking identification with it. You have a particularly outstanding player, captain Marquinhos. There's also a large Portuguese community… 
Vitinha: “Yes, there are many Portuguese who feel close to Paris. It’s almost like family. I feel very good here. I love the city. I love my home. I love the training ground. I come here and feel great…”

Do you want to spend your entire career at PSG? Would you like to sign a long-term contract?  
Vitinha: "I don’t look that far ahead. I’d rather focus on the present. Over the next few years, I want to stay here and achieve unprecedented things."

Luis Enrique rarely speaks to the media, so there’s limited interaction with PSG fans. As someone who works with him daily, can you tell us how he is? Is he an inspiring coach? Is he tactically brilliant? What’s your impression? 
Vitinha: “I’m biased because I only have good things to say about him… He’s my coach; I wouldn’t say anything negative. In terms of our relationship, especially personally, he has helped me reach a level I didn’t expect to achieve this soon. I knew I’d get there but not in just a year. Personally, he helped me reach this level. On a team level, when we look back at last season, we won the French Cup, the Ligue 1 title, and reached the Champions League semi-finals. Then some people say it was a disappointing season? How could it be a disappointing season? It was incredible. There were 36 teams in the Champions League, and we made it to the last four, almost to the final. We need to look at why we didn’t advance, but I think it was an exceptional season. When talking about him, even from a team perspective, I only have positive things to say. He’s taught us a lot individually, which I really appreciate. I like to be open about this.”

Is Enrique like a father to you?
Vitinha: “No, no, no. Or maybe like a second father. I have only one father (laughs). But tactically, I really agree with his game philosophy. It’s hard for me to criticize Enrique on anything. Even as a person, he’s outstanding. I also understand that there might be issues with him and the media…”

Now, you’re playing for the Portuguese national team. What do you think of this team? Do you think you’re progressing and will be prepared for the World Cup? 
Vitinha:“Yes, we hope we’ll be prepared. The personal side of things has changed too. Previously, I didn’t get much playing time. I would often come on as a substitute, but it’s not the same feeling. I feel I now have a more important role in the team, thanks to my season with the club. The national coach Roberto Martínez also trusts me. I’ve played every role I could. It’s amazing. For this Euro, my importance in the national team has changed, and it feels good.”

You have a world-class role model in Cristiano Ronaldo, who, at 39, is still in the national team. What does he mean to you as a Portuguese international? 
Vitinha: "Being the national team’s main player at 39—there’s no explanation for his performance. He’s already said it himself; I think it’s all about his professionalism. He keeps this up every day, from morning till night, and it’s incredible. I can imagine the effort and sacrifices he has made. That’s why he’s still in top form at 39. For me, it’s a privilege. When we were kids, we dreamed of one day playing with him, and that dream has come true. Fortunately, I can enjoy many years with him in the national team.”

Do you think he’ll participate in the 2026 World Cup?
Vitinha: "Of course, he will; he won’t give up."

Wishing you success in extending your PSG contract until 2029!  
Vitinha: “I want to stay here, to have a good time here. I’m happy here, and I feel connected to the club. I want to continue here.”