Warren Zaire-Emery hails PSG’s fighting spirit after their Super Cup win against Tottenham. Despite being 2-0 down, PSG rallied to win on penalties, showcasing their resilience and strength. Debutant Lucas Chevalier’s penalty save was crucial in the victory. Marquinhos praised the team’s mental fortitude and the impact of substitutes like Goncalo Ramos.
Paris Saint-Germain's young midfielder, Warren Zaire-Emery, has praised his team's resilience and never-say-die attitude following their dramatic UEFA Super Cup triumph over Tottenham Hotspur. In a match filled with twists and turns, PSG demonstrated their mental fortitude to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
The game, played in front of a captivated audience, saw Tottenham take a commanding 2-0 lead, courtesy of goals from Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. With only a few minutes left on the clock, it appeared as though the Super Cup was heading to North London. However, PSG, renowned for their attacking prowess, were not ready to concede. A late surge, spearheaded by substitutes Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos, turned the tide. Both players found the net in quick succession, leveling the score and forcing a penalty shootout.
The tension was palpable as the shootout commenced. Vitinha, usually reliable from the spot, saw his penalty strike the woodwork, giving Tottenham the advantage. But PSG's debutant goalkeeper, Lucas Chevalier, stepped up to the plate, saving Van de Ven's penalty to restore parity. The shootout continued with both teams displaying nerves of steel, but ultimately, PSG prevailed, securing a 4-3 victory and lifting the Super Cup trophy.
Despite not registering a single shot on target in the first half, a rarity under their Spanish coach Luis Enrique, PSG found their scoring touch when it mattered most. While Tottenham arguably had the better of the game in terms of expected goals (xG), with 1.4 compared to PSG's 1.2, it was the Parisians' unwavering belief that ultimately made the difference.
Zaire-Emery, speaking to Canal+ after the match, struggled to contain his excitement. "I don't know what to say, it's magnificent," he exclaimed. "We're at a big club, and we're winning trophies." He acknowledged the challenges his team faced, including a short pre-season with only six or seven days of training. However, he emphasized that they refused to give up. "It shows the character of this team and the strength of the collective," he added, highlighting the team's ability to translate their training ground efforts into match-winning performances.
The exclusion of Gianluigi Donnarumma from the squad raised eyebrows before the game, with Luis Enrique stating he was seeking a different approach. This decision paved the way for Lucas Chevalier to make his debut, and the young goalkeeper seized the opportunity with both hands. Chevalier's three saves during the match, including the crucial penalty stop, earned him plaudits from teammates and fans alike.
Marquinhos, the experienced PSG defender, expressed his pride in the team's performance. He acknowledged the limited preparation time but emphasized the importance of mental strength and tactical awareness. He praised the impact of the substitutes, particularly Goncalo Ramos, who provided the focal point in attack that PSG needed. Marquinhos also lauded Chevalier's performance, stating, "We trusted Lucas. We know him. He's just arrived, but it was time for him to show himself. We're very happy because he did it."
The Super Cup victory marks another feather in PSG's cap and provides a platform for further success this season. With a blend of experienced stars and promising young talents, PSG will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in both domestic and European competitions. The team's resilience, exemplified by their comeback against Tottenham, suggests that they possess the mental fortitude required to overcome any obstacle in their path.
The performance of players like Zaire-Emery and Chevalier underscores the depth of talent within the PSG squad. As they continue to develop and gain experience, they will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in the team's future success. The Super Cup triumph serves as a testament to PSG's unwavering ambition and their commitment to achieving greatness on the European stage.