Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has been one of the catalysts in the team’s recent turnaround following the slow start to the Ligue 1 campaign. PSG responded well with back-to-back wins after the two straight disappointing losses to begin the season. Verratti provided for a strong showing against OGC Nice to secure the team’s first winning streak of the new season.
For Verratti, the early slow start was unusual for him. In his time with the club, Verratti has been accustomed to getting off to winning starts in league play. But this time around, the club failed to record a league win until its third fixture of the season. In speaking to PSG TV, Verratti reflected on the disastrous start and how his side faced adversity early on.
“It’s the first time I’ve experienced a start to the season like this,” Verratti said. “Playing a Champions League final on the 23rd and having a match on the 29th … I don’t say it as an excuse, but as an observation. Without a preseason, it was very difficult. Now we’re starting to get a little better, little by little we’re going to get back to the football we played last season.”
Another catalyst to the team’s quick turnaround has been Alessandro Florenzi. Verratti is well familiar with Florenzi’s play from their time on the pitch together with the Italian national team and knows his prowess as a right-back.
“I’ve known him for a long time, I know what he can do,” Verratti said. “He is good tactically, physically, he covers a lot of ground, he makes himself available for his teammates. I think he’s a very good recruit for Paris and we saw it right away. We are a very good group, and Alessandro told me immediately when he arrived, he felt it.”
Verratti also touched on his recent landmark achievement with the club. He made his 318th appearance for PSG in its win against OGC Nice, which is tied for fifth all-time in the club’s history. He reflected a bit on his lengthy run with the club so far.
“It means a lot, to be one of the players who have worn this jersey the most is something beautiful,” Verratti said. “It means that we have spent many years together, that we have won many titles. I have been able to play great matches, to play with great players, and I am happy here.”
Verratti has a real chance at becoming the all-time leader in appearances for the club.
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
