PSG stars face off, Mendes and Mbappe in Euro 2024

On Friday evening, Portugal will take on France in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Nuno Mendes, expected to play against some of his PSG teammates, shared his thoughts on the upcoming match.

Representing Portugal are Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Danilo Pereira, and Goncalo Ramos, while France boasts Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaire-Emery, Randal Kolo Muani, and Ousmane Dembele. At a press conference on Wednesday, two days before the match, Mendes discussed his French teammates at PSG, the game itself, and stars Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo.

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PSG stars face off, Mendes and Mbappe in Euro 2024

Mendes acknowledged the high-level skills of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe, noting their ability to make decisive plays at any moment. He expressed his pleasure in having played with Mbappe and currently playing with Ronaldo. Mendes emphasized that the team is well-prepared and ready to execute their game plan effectively.

Regarding his French PSG teammates, Mendes highlighted that not all of them would be playing, but he knows those who will be well enough to help the team in any way possible. He is confident in his ability to assist his team, whether through direct play or strategic insights.

Mendes also addressed the challenge of stopping Kylian Mbappe. He mentioned that Mbappe typically plays on the left, meaning he might not face him directly. However, Mendes trains daily for such high-stakes moments and is prepared to face top-level opponents. He expressed confidence in Portugal's ability to neutralize France's strengths while playing their own game.

Reflecting on his recovery from injury, Mendes stated that he feels more than ready for the upcoming challenges. The support from his team during his recovery process has been instrumental in his preparation for this critical match.

When asked if the coach sought his advice on France, Mendes explained that the coaching staff is highly competent and well-prepared to analyze the opposing team. While he will assist in any way he can, he trusts the technical team's capabilities.

As for Ronaldo's potential last Euro and stopping Mbappe, Mendes expressed a strong desire to give Ronaldo a memorable tournament and acknowledged the difficulty of stopping Mbappe. Knowing Mbappe personally, he is determined to do everything possible to succeed.

Lastly, Mendes shared his good rapport with his French PSG teammates, particularly noting Ousmane Dembele's sense of humor. He believes their strong relationships will contribute to an exciting and competitive match on Friday.