Pablo Sarabia made the switch from Sevilla to Paris Saint-Germain last summer and, in his first few months in the French capital, he has displayed the talent that saw PSG move to sign him.
For years, the Parisians have been criticized for failing to reach the latter stages of the Champions League, but Sarabia believes that this year will be different.
Sarabia sat down with MARCA to discuss his first few months with PSG, his thoughts on Kylian Mbappe and Neymar’s future and whether he believes that he can remain a part of the Spanish national team, despite the change of coach.
You’re top of Ligue 1, finished first in your Champions League group… What have you made of your first season with PSG so far?
Very, very positive. The team has performed to a high level in all the matches in the league, Copa de League 1 and Champions League. Finishing first in the Champions League group was important. The feeling, therefore, is very good. Now we’ll try to maintain this dynamic and this mentality in order to achieve big challenges.
You’re doing well: four goals and five assists. How would you grade yourself?
I don’t like grading myself, but I’m very happy – and not only for the goals and assists, although I know this is what stays in the history books. I’m comfortable in the dressing room and my integration is going well. This gives you confidence and a calm head when it comes to playing.
I imagine the goal you scored against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu would’ve been special for a player who was brought up at La Fabrica?
Matches against Real Madrid are always special. The boss [Thomas Tuchel] gave me the chance to get on for the last few minutes and I always try to do my best for the team. It was a special goal for me, but also when it comes to evaluating my season with PSG.
Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Mauro Icardi, Edinson Cavani, Angel di Maria, Sarabia… do you have the best attack in Europe?
Possibly, yes. All the attackers are very good. What stands out for me is the variety and the different options the coach has to play one way or another. This is key to not be predictable and, if you have the quality we have upfront, the danger increases exponentially.
PSG have made huge strides with the signings of you, Ander Herrera, Idrissa Gueye, Keylor Navas… Do you think you can finally win the Champions League?
We’re going to try to make it PSG’s year in the Champions League, but we’d be getting ahead of ourselves if we thought we’re going to win games before playing them. Right now, the only final we have in this competition is the one with Borussia Dortmund [in the last 16]. We must get through this round, then the next one… This is the way to go to be able to do something big.
In the summer, there was a lot of talk about Neymar going to Barcelona. How do you see him?
He’s fine. He’s a person that you want to have, and he has a lot of influence in the dressing room. Whenever he’s happy, he’s going to bring a lot to the team.
What’s it like to play with Mbappe?
He makes it easier. The speed that he has is impressive. He surprises me every time he sets off; he has incredible potential. I know him now and I know that I can go long [with my passes] because he’s going to get there.
Do you think Mbappe and Neymar will be at PSG next season?
For the moment, they’re here and we have to focus on this. I don’t want to think about what will happen in the next few years.
Robert Moreno gave you a chance with the Spanish national team. Do you think you can return under Luis Enrique?
There’s been a change, but the dynamic of the job is still the same. Now Luis Enrique returns, and he’s shown that he’s worked very well. I will always be grateful to Robert Moreno because he gave me the opportunity to make my debut and fulfill my dream. I will work really hard to be in the upcoming squads.
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