In a wide-ranging interview with A Bola, Vitinha once again stressed the importance of turning the page on PSG’s extraordinary 2024–25 season in order to remain competitive. The Portuguese midfielder also named two teams he considers PSG’s true rivals this season.
Vitinha has no intention of living off past success — a mindset that explains why he still hasn’t rewatched PSG’s Champions League final win over Inter Milan. In the same interview, he reminded everyone how quickly things can change in football.
“The beginning of a new era for PSG? I sincerely hope so,” Vitinha said.
“But I repeat what I’ve already said: I know how football works. Football is about the present moment — it changes very quickly. We have to prove ourselves in every single match.”
The conversation then turned to PSG’s defeat against Bayern Munich on November 4 in the Champions League, and to the teams Vitinha currently sees as the biggest benchmarks in Europe.
“Bayern and Arsenal are the strongest teams — along with us”
Vitinha didn’t hesitate when asked to name PSG’s main competitors.
“At the moment, Bayern and Arsenal are the strongest teams,” he said.
“Along with us — but it will be very complicated.”
The PSG midfielder pointed to the challenges Paris have faced this season, including injuries and absences.
“We’ve had a lot of injured players and missing players so far, and even now at this stage of the season. It’s been very difficult.”
Vitinha was particularly complimentary about Bayern Munich and the collective strength of Vincent Kompany’s side.
“Bayern are a very complete team, very well coached by Kompany, with top players who all work for the collective.
“I see Olise tracking back close to the full-back, Luis Díaz doing the same, and Kane making tackles in defense and playing passes like a pivot.
“It’s a great team. Truly the best team — along with us and Arsenal.”
Familiar Rivals at the Top of Europe
It is no coincidence that Arsenal and Bayern Munich currently sit first and second in the Champions League standings after six matchdays, ahead of PSG. Both clubs faced Paris multiple times in 2025 and are expected to remain serious contenders again in 2026.
As Vitinha underlined, however, European football rarely follows a straight line.
Winter truths are not always spring realities — and PSG know better than anyone that status must be defended, not assumed.