“Hard to Play Football Right After the Holidays”: Danilo on PSG’s Restart

Danilo addressed the press on Tuesday ahead of PSG-Toulouse. Playing in the Trophée des Champions on Wednesday after the holidays won’t be easy.

The challenge is there, but the focus is not quite yet. Danilo openly admits that playing a match immediately after the holidays is always tough. “After the holidays, it’s always difficult, but PSG is a great club. We have to play to win this trophy,” he said.

“Last year, we lost to Lens on January 1st. Now, we are focused on Toulouse. We are doing well in all areas of the field. The most important thing is to be compact, to be a real team, to arrive on February 14th and beat Real Sociedad…”

Regarding his role at PSG, Danilo reveals that it has evolved over the seasons. “My role has changed a lot; I have to help the young players. We have a very young team. I feel good here, and I want to be here for a long time. The start of the season was a bit complicated for me, with the adaptation, but the coach talked to me a lot, gave me instructions to progress. Now, I feel very good and adapted to Luis Enrique’s style of play.”

The Portuguese player also discusses the arrival of Lucas Beraldo, the young defender. “With Marquinhos, Goncalo, Vitinha, we try to make his integration easier. It’s easier to have teammates who speak the same language; he will integrate well.”

Initially a midfielder with PSG, Danilo now plays more defensively, a position he enjoys. “Defender is where the coach gives me the most confidence, and it’s where I feel good.”

And a final word on the phenomenon Warren Zaïre Emery. “He is the strongest young player I have seen play football. It’s not just about his strength; it’s also about his mentality, his daily form, his work. He is a phenomenon.”