Before this Sunday’s game at the Parc des Princes, Pierre Sage, the RC Lens coach, expressed unreserved admiration for Vitinha, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfielder. His comments testify to the impressive impact of the player on his opponents. Sage said he would like to have Vitinha in his team not out of necessity, but because of his ability to turn adverse situations into opportunities and create new gaming situations through his positioning. He pointed out that he had been following Vitinha since his visit to FC Porto and that he had been impressed by the praises he had received, even in the U14 category, where he was already demonstrating an understanding of the game.

The Lens coach also highlighted Vitinha’s mobility and game intelligence, comparing them to those of Marco Verratti. He stressed the ability of the Parisian midfielder to mutate and solve the pressing problems without specific instructions from the coach, and how he, with João Neves and Fabian Ruiz, took strategic positions to destabilize the opponent. Sage believes that their cohesion, reinforced by the repetition of the matches, allows them to know each other perfectly. This recognition of an opposing coach illustrates the importance of Vitinha in the PSG, his ability to make a difference through his intelligence and his reading of the game.

Beyond this tactical reconnaissance, the next game will be marked by an emotional event for PSG supporters. After 20 years of loyalty to the club, Presnel Kimpembé, the club’s child, will bid farewell to the Parc des Princes. Luis Enrique, the PSG coach, stressed the importance of this moment and the value of the player, especially given his recurrent injuries. He expressed gratitude to Kimpembé, not only for his talent, but also for his importance to the fans, the club and his teammates. This Sunday, the Parc des Princes will pay tribute to an iconic player, a fighter who has incarnated the PSG for two decades, and whose departure leaves a void in the hearts of supporters.