In the mixed zone at the PSG Campus, Lucas Hernandez recognized that PSG’s European journey this season had undoubtedly been even more demanding than that of last year. The Parisian defender notably mentioned the higher expectations around the club after the previous run to the final, while saluting the mental strength displayed by the group in the complicated moments of the season. Ten days before the Champions League final against Arsenal, the French international believes, however, that Paris is arriving in the best possible physical and mental conditions, this time with more time to prepare for the event. “It’s complicated, but it’s true that there were a lot more expectations this year. Of course, everyone wanted to beat the defending champion and not every Champions League match was easy. But we proved the mentality, we proved what team we are. And today, we are once again in the final. Even though it wasn’t easy, we had ups and downs throughout the season. But here, we are arriving at the end of the season in the best possible way. Physically, mentally, we are all ready. And now, we have ten days to properly prepare for this match. Compared to last year, we had a little less time because of the Cup final. So, that too plays a role for us. We will have more time to prepare ourselves well for this final.»
Lucas Hernandez then ensured that the pressure surrounding this second consecutive final remained perfectly under control within the Parisian locker room. The PSG defender explains that the group maintains exactly the same habits as on a daily basis in order to remain focused on the final objective. “No, frankly, no. We are experiencing this in the same way as last year. Afterwards, we are aware that we can continue to create history again and create a bigger story for this club. But we are calm, we have the same routine, we train, we come home, we stay with the family. We also try to escape a little from everything that surrounds us, everything that people can say, especially the fans. So, it’s up to us to continue like this, stay calm, do what we have to do in training and then rest, that’s the most important thing.»
