Vitinha says Paris Saint-Germain’s UEFA Champions League Group Stage Matchday 3 meeting with Barcelona is one of Europe’s biggest fixtures, but believes it is too soon to describe the game as an early final.
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was speaking at a news conference before Wednesday’s match at home, having scored his first Portugal goal during the international break and then finding the net against Manchester City last week.
“Personally, it’s certainly a good period,” said Vitinha. “But good form isn’t only about scoring goals, and not scoring doesn’t mean bad form, especially for us midfielders. I do feel I’m in good form right now, and I hope to continue that performance tomorrow.”
On whether the match could be considered an early final, he added: “It’s too early to talk about that. It’s only October, and everyone knows how things can change over a long season. What’s true in October might not be true next March.”
Vitinha described the fixture as a contest between “two of Europe’s top teams”, while also including Bayern Munich among that group.
He was also asked about Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s form and the fact he did not take part in the World Cup this summer. Vitinha said players naturally experience periods of stronger and weaker form, adding that a difficult spell for one, two or three players did not mean it would continue throughout the season.
“We hope he and everyone else can show their best selves tomorrow night,” he said.
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, who has scored 10 goals and provided nine assists this season, was another focus of the questions. Vitinha rejected the suggestion that Paris Saint-Germain would be afraid of him, but acknowledged his exceptional ability.
“He is one of the best players in football today,” said Vitinha. “His current performance is incredible. But Barcelona is not just him. They have top players in every position and, most importantly, they are an extremely excellent team as a whole.”
Vitinha expects Barcelona’s midfield, including Rodri and Pedri, to provide a major tactical challenge, particularly with their aggressive pressing. He said Paris Saint-Germain would decide how to respond without revealing specific plans, potentially switching between deeper and higher positions and rotating during the game.
He pointed to the first half against Manchester City as evidence that his side can handle a difficult press effectively.
Vitinha also defended Joao Neves, saying competition for places was healthy after the club strengthened its squad during the summer. Referring to comments from Emery and the coach’s description of Zaire-Emery as an absolute starter, he said he also regarded Neves as a starter.
Finally, Vitinha praised Ousmane Dembele’s influence in major matches. He said Dembele had been a leader for some time and hoped he would start against Barcelona and produce another high-level performance, both for the team and supporters.
