Nuno Mendes faced the media on Wednesday with a reassuring message for Paris Saint-Germain supporters: the Portuguese left-back is fully fit and ready for the upcoming final on May 30. After a season where managing his workload became a priority, his return to peak condition provides a timely boost for a side chasing back-to-back appearances in the showcase event.
'I feel good,' Mendes said during a press conference at the club's training ground. 'I've had time to rest and take care of myself. There are still a few days until the final, so I'm not worried.' His comments ease concerns after he was limited in training earlier in the week, a precautionary measure that signals the club's careful handling of one of its most explosive talents.
The 22-year-old's fitness is critical to PSG's tactical setup. Mendes offers a unique blend of defensive solidity and attacking thrust, his overlapping runs and precise deliveries having become a hallmark of the team's wide play. In a final where fine margins often decide the outcome, his ability to stretch defenses and track back quickly could prove decisive.
Beyond his individual condition, Mendes painted a picture of a squad brimming with confidence. 'Collectively, we are motivated. It's a pride to be in the final two years in a row,' he said. 'The team is in a good place. The mindset is at its highest.' That mental edge stems from last season's run to the same stage, and now the players are determined to cap this campaign with silverware.
'Having played the final last year can help, yes,' Mendes acknowledged. 'But we know it will be complicated. It's going to be a beautiful match against a great team. We're trying to prepare in the best possible way.' The opponent's identity has yet to be confirmed, but PSG's approach remains unwavering: study their own process and trust the system that got them here.
In a lighter moment, the defender was asked about Arsenal's raucous title celebrations after they were crowned Premier League champions. With a smile, Mendes admitted he hadn't seen the videos but offered his congratulations. 'They were champions because Manchester City didn't win,' he noted, before quickly steering the conversation back to his own team. 'Congratulations to them. But we have a big match on the 30th. I'm focused on PSG.'
When pressed on what makes Arsenal dangerous, Mendes didn't hold back. 'We have to be wary of everything,' he warned. 'They are a great team. If we're not at our maximum, we could be eliminated. They have many players going to the World Cup; they are great players.' This recognition of Arsenal's quality underscores the respect top clubs hold for a side stacked with international talent, even if a direct clash isn't on the immediate horizon.
The mention of World Cup-bound players highlights the depth of competition at the highest level. For Mendes, though, personal ambitions with Portugal must wait. His immediate focus is on adding a winner's medal to his collection, completing a season that has tested his resilience.
Analysts point to Mendes' return as a major factor in PSG's ability to control the tempo. His recovery runs and one-on-one defending allow the midfield to push higher, while his crosses provide an outlet against low blocks. If the final turns into a battle of attrition, his endurance could swing the momentum.
Manager Luis Enrique has carefully managed the defender's minutes in recent weeks, a strategy that appears to have paid off. With other key players also regaining sharpness, PSG looks poised to dictate the rhythm. Yet, as Mendes cautioned, nothing can be taken for granted in a one-off duel.
The Parisians will use the remaining days to fine-tune set pieces and defensive organization. Mendes didn't train fully on Wednesday, but that was by design. 'Today I didn't have much to do, but I feel good,' he explained, putting the minor scare to rest.
As the countdown ticks toward May 30, the message from the camp is one of calm assurance. With Nuno Mendes back to his marauding best and a squad united in purpose, PSG enters the final not just with hope, but with a belief forged in the fires of last year's experience. The stage is set.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
