Marquinhos acknowledges PSG's defensive shortcomings ahead of Bratislava Champions League clash

Marquinhos openly acknowledged Paris Saint-Germain’s defensive difficulties on Tuesday in a press conference, on the eve of the club’s home match against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League league phase. The Brazilian captain highlighted six goals conceded in three Ligue 1 matchdays, a record that places the club in fourteenth place in the championship.

“It’s true that for a defender, it’s something that hurts when you concede goals. We’re conceding a lot of goals at the start of this season,” Marquinhos said. The centre-back immediately tempered his remarks, however, assuring that the squad had identified the causes of these lapses. “We know why. We’ve talked about it. The coach showed us videos. We’re working to improve more and more. It’s all collective work. We’ve made a few small mistakes that don’t reflect our level.”

The only source of satisfaction since the start of the season remains the UEFA Super Cup victory over Aston Villa, which stands in stark contrast to the winless streak in the league. Despite this context, Marquinhos refused to give in to worry. “It’s the start of a season, there are always a few small mistakes you can make and that you can improve very quickly. You just have to be honest, be sincere with ourselves, look at what we can improve and what we can do better. We have a coach who tells us things and the truth.”

PSG host Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday at 9 p.m. at Parc des Princes for their first Champions League league phase match. A home victory would allow the club to return to winning ways and regain confidence ahead of a series of decisive fixtures.