Willian Pacho: "I'm confident we're going to have a great season"

How have your first few weeks in Paris been?

“For now, I’m here on my own, but my family will join me soon. I really like the city — I’ve mostly been going out to restaurants or sightseeing. In my free time, I play some video games, watch movies, and I’ve started taking French lessons too.”

Did you grow up in a football-focused family?

“My family supported Ecuadorian clubs, but they weren’t super fanatical about football. My older brother played with his friends and would take me along, so I’d end up playing against people ten years older than me. That’s where my love for the game really began.”

You made an impact quickly in Antwerp and then in Frankfurt. How did PSG convince you to join?

“I knew I'd had a strong season in Frankfurt and that new opportunities might open up. My agents told me about the possibility of moving to Paris, so I had some conversations with the PSG management, and the project really appealed to me. I talked it over with my family, but we kept it quiet—only a few people knew. I also thought about the fans back in Ecuador who’ve supported me all the way, knowing this move would be exciting for them. At the same time, I realized that people in Paris didn’t know me well, and my transfer probably came as a surprise.”

You’ve been one of the most frequently used players this season. What do you see as your strengths, and where would you like to improve?

“I’ve been playing well for a while now, and I put a lot of emphasis on consistency—it’s always been a strength of mine, and I plan to keep that up. I’ll keep working and learning to reach my goals. I’d like to improve on the offensive side, like in corner situations, to be able to score more often.”

Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Hernandez will soon be back from injury. Are you concerned about the added competition?

“I’m really happy they’re coming back, especially “Kim,” who I’ve followed for a long time. He’s been through a tough time, being sidelined for over a year. Having teammates with different strengths is always a good thing, and it raises the overall level. There’s nothing better than a full squad to take on the challenges ahead.”

How’s your partnership with Marquinhos going?

“I was really looking forward to playing with him. It’s a childhood dream come true—I’ve watched him play in the Champions League for years. I’m learning a lot from him; he’s experienced and a really good person. From day one, he helped me feel free and stay calm on the pitch. We’re working on covering spaces together and communicating clearly, and he sets a great example for me to follow.”

What does Luis Enrique ask from you specifically?

“I adapt to what he wants—he’s a very smart coach. His training sessions have really helped me understand the game better, and my teammates have been a big help too. Mostly, he wants us to work hard and approach training like it’s a real match. He also emphasizes studying how our future opponents play.”

A lot of people doubt PSG’s chances of winning the Champions League. What do you have to say about that?

“I don’t like that criticism and negativity, but I don’t let it get to me. I’m confident we’re going to have a great season. They’re saying this now, but they’ll be the first to jump on board once we get rolling. We just need to focus on ourselves, stay united, and ignore the outside noise.”

In Ligue 1 McDonald’s, though, you’re undefeated and at the top. Is this league too easy?

“Not at all—it’s actually really tough. Our opponents especially change their style when they face us. The players are very physical and fast. It’s a tactical league, and you always have to stay on your toes.”

The Ballon d’Or went to Rodri, a midfielder, rather than a forward. Do you think a defender’s time will come again, like when Fabio Cannavaro won in 2006?

“I wondered the same thing when Rodri won. I’m confident a defender will win the Ballon d’Or again soon because defense is such a critical part of the game and keeps improving. Hopefully, it’ll be a player from Paris or someone I know so I can celebrate with him!”

READ MORE:

>>Profile: Willian Pacho Ready to Become Staple of PSG’s Defense
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