Football
Jonathan Johnson, PSG correspondent 7y

PSG chairman Al-Khelaifi on Javier Pastore: 'He is an artist, we need him'

MARSEILLE -- Paris Saint-Germain Chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi praised playmaker Javier Pastore after the Argentina international's role in the French champions' 5-1 win away at Marseille on Sunday.

Pastore sublimely set up Edinson Cavani's first-half goal and played an influential role in Lucas Moura's second-half strike before being substituted after 54 minutes.

Pastore being handed a starting role by coach Unai Emery was seen as a gamble by most before the match but Les Parisiens' No. 10 handled the occasion well and produced a creative performance at Stade Velodrome.

"He is an artist, we need him," said Al-Khelaifi of the 27-year-old. "The most important thing was to win. To do it like that, with five goals, is magnificent for the team and for their confidence.

"We maintained the same level throughout the game. We want to continue showing that level of play to be able to win the title. We also have an important Coupe de France game on Wednesday and the return leg with Barcelona.

"The season is starting for us, we want more and more. It is a win for our fans, they are always behind the team."

Speaking with Canal+, Emery admitted that Monaco and Nice's results earlier in the weekend made a strong display and a win absolutely vital.

"We wanted the three points to close in again on Monaco and Nice," Emery said. "The team is good; we are in a good spell. We have to maintain that level of rigour, that rhythm, the desire of the players and that domination of the ball.

"It is a good game for our confidence and to confirm the improvement in our play. It is a good spell for us but we can still improve.

"We must not forget our last three home games, of which we drew two and won the match against Lille in the last minute. There are a lot of teams that defend deep. We have to overcome our opponents' defensive work. We are going to keep working."

Defender Marquinhos scored PSG's opener in Marseille and the Brazil international felt the first goal was key in defeating Rudi Garcia's men.

"It was important to score the first goal in a match like that," said the South American to Canal+. "It was essential, not only for us, but also for the Paris fans. After that, we controlled the game and scored again."

Midfielder Blaise Matuidi wrapped up the scoring with the fifth goal and the France international was delighted with the way he and his teammates handled the occasion.

"We put in a good performance, we were serious," Matuidi told Canal+. "We knew they were going to try and press us in the first 15-20 minutes but we handled it well. It is a great win. We dedicate it to our fans. It is brilliant!

"When I was little, I dreamed of playing games like that one. I am happy. We have to keep going like that.

"There are other very good teams with us. It is a very attractive league. We are going to play to the end, we have to believe...We will not give an inch."

^ Back to Top ^