Kimpembe: ‘I Live for the Club’

Ahead of Friday’s Ligue 1 match against OGC Nice, Presnel Kimpembe stepped up to the microphone during the pre-match press conference to answer questions from the media.

The Frenchman has rebounded from a groin injury that cost him a substantial amount of playing time last season appears to be the Kimpembe we all came to love prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He has started in both of the club’s UEFA Champions League matches so far—both clean sheets—and his physicality in those games has nothing short of amazing to watch. He’s a different kind of defender than Thiago Silva but the two balance each other very well and with Marquinhos just ahead of them as a defensive midfielder, PSG’s defense has been one of the best in Europe thus far.

The upcoming fixture against Nice won’t be an easy one. The 9th place team has underperformed given some of the quality their squad possesses. In particular, Malang Sarr, Alexis Claude Maurice, Kasper Dolber, and Wylan Cyprien could all cause Thomas Tuchel’s men difficulty away from home. This fact hasn’t escaped Kimpembe who is well aware of the challenges that come with playing against Les Aiglons.

“Before we talk about Brugge or Marseille, we have a big game tomorrow against Nice,” Kimpembe said. “This is the most important match for now. Nice are a very good team, especially at home. We often find it tough there. We will have to play well to get a result. We know that it will be a very physical, tough game.”

Kimpembe was also asked about the captain’s armband and his feelings representing the club in that manner, which is something PSG Talk contributor Marc Damon has written about in the past.

“I’m a product of the club’s youth academy, a Titi,” Kimpembe said. “I live for the club. To wear the captain’s armband is an honor, even if it’s an occasional thing. I will be very happy to wear it again in the future.”

Kimpembe will be ready for the fight against Nice, but Tuchel may go with a center-back pairing of Silva and Abdou Diallo and save Kimpembe’s legs for next week’s Champions League match against Brugge.

We’ll have more on the match against Nice on PSG Talk so make sure to check back and follow us on Twitter @PSGTalk.

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Tags Abdou Diallo Champions League Club Brugge Ligue 1 Marquinhos OGC Nice Presnel Kimpembe Thiago Silva
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