Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha admitted on Saturday that returning to action at the Club World Cup so soon after their Champions League triumph is “not easy,” but said the team remains motivated and excited to compete in FIFA’s revamped tournament.
“There are so many competitions and constant travel, so it’s definitely not easy for us,” the Portuguese international told reporters during PSG’s training session at the University of California, Irvine, near Los Angeles.
“But we’re trying to balance that with the excitement and joy of playing in a new competition, in a new country, and experiencing new things,” he added. “It’s amazing to be here in the United States. We’re doing our best to push through the fatigue after a long season.”
PSG kick off their Club World Cup campaign against Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Sunday, before facing Brazil’s Botafogo and MLS side Seattle Sounders in Group B.
Only two weeks have passed since the French champions lifted the Champions League trophy for the first time, demolishing Inter Milan 5-0 in the final in Munich.
The victory capped a season in which PSG also secured a domestic league and cup double, taking their tally of matches this term to nearly 60.
Head coach Luis Enrique is now hoping his side can complete their historic campaign by lifting another trophy, with the Club World Cup final set for July 13 in New York.
“In terms of trophies, it’s impossible to do better than what we’ve achieved this season,” Enrique said. “But the Club World Cup is still there to be won. It’s a fantastic tournament, we’re confident, and we want to finish the season by winning it.”
He added: “Yes, there have been a lot of games, but this is a different experience. We’re prepared — and there’s a holiday waiting for us afterwards.”
