Speaking in an interview with the AFP, PSG’s new central midfielder Ander Herrera discussed his first steps in Paris and what he hopes to achieve.
On PSG:
When a club with a big project, constantly growing, installed in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, comes to you, it is not very difficult to take a decision. When you leave a big club like Manchester United, the only places you can go are those like Paris: the biggest French club, that has some of the best players in the world in its ranks. To have the opportunity to be at PSG, that is not given to everyone, so I feel very lucky.
On Leonardo:
I spoke with him. I think we share the same footballing vision, aims, and what the club needs to be. I know what I can bring: I am a team player, who always gives everything for the club and its team-mates. If you want to reach all the objectives that you have at the start of the season, the only way to achieve that is to rely on people who share the same vision.
On his aims:
I don’t like fixing myself long-term aims, but rather day-to-day ones. Starting first by winning the Trophée des Champions in China and then to play in the best way possible. The same for the match after that and then the one after that.
On the Champions’ League:
You know, in Europe there are 8 to 10 clubs who could win it: Juventus, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Bayern Munich… But only one can do it. I think that we have to continue to be the strongest team in France. Last year we won the league and played in an incredible way, but we did not win the two cups. The next aim will be to win all the titles in France, and, of course, try to fight for the Champions’ League title.
On Manchester United knocking out PSG of the Champions’ League last season:
At the time, PSG could not play with Neymar or Cavani. We had multiple options, but they beat us at home by playing extraordinary football. Today, I do not wish to speak about the past. I know that the capabilities of this team are immense, in every position.
On the Ballon D’Or:
I think that we have in this team some guys who are potential future Ballon D’Or winners. I want to learn by their side, be it with Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and of course Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé. I have already played with Angel di Maria, I know his qualities. There is also Marco Verratti, he is one of my favourite players… We have incredible players! I am happy to be there to help them improve, and to make them better players.
On Thomas Tuchel:
I cannot wait to be in front of Thomas to bring him my energy, my passion, my professionalism… I cannot promise goals or titles, but if you are a professional, if you respect your club, your team-mates, your opponents and your supporters, everything will come naturally.
On his position:
I am not saying that I am the solution. I am merely a part of the team that will help, in whatever way the manager wants to use me. I played in several positions in Manchester: attacking midfielder, deep-lying midfielder, box-to-box, and even defender under Mourinho! I can help in getting the ball back, being the first player to defend when the team needs to react and press.