Joao Neves attended a press conference for the Portuguese national team

Joao Neves attended a press conference for the Portuguese national team, where he discussed the various changes since being called up to the team a year ago.



What are your expectations for the upcoming matches? You’ve been in the spotlight at your new club. What do you still need to do to become a regular for the national team?
I expect these to be tough matches. We know our strengths, and we will give everything to win. I’m just focusing on doing my job, which I think I’ve been doing quite well, and I’m doing everything I can to get closer to achieving my goals.

Do you read all the praise about yourself, or do you prefer not to look at that?
Sometimes it’s hard to avoid reading what some journalists write. I try not to draw attention to myself online, whether it’s positive or negative feedback. I aim to be as uninterested in those things as possible. My attitude when I arrived in Paris was the same as when I joined Benfica’s first team. I will continue doing my best to improve.

Portugal won both matches in September, and you could secure another 6 points, bringing you closer to the Nations League quarterfinals. How do you see these matches, and what’s your view on the new national team members (Ricardo Horta, Tomás Araújo, Samu Costa)?  
I’m happy they’re here. I’ll welcome them the same way the veteran players welcomed me when I first joined, in the best way possible. When a team performs better off the pitch, it’s easier to succeed on it. These will be difficult matches, but our attitude remains the same—we want to win and get closer to qualifying.

What qualities does Tomás Araújo have? He was only 15 when Portugal won the first Nations League…
Unfortunately, Gonçalo Inácio had a setback—that’s life; some people's luck is others' misfortune. I know Tomás well. He’ll make the most of this opportunity. He’s young, full of energy and talent, and exactly the kind of player we need. I don’t remember much about that Nations League win; I was young and hadn’t played much at the time. Now that I’m in the tournament, I will give everything I have.

Your transfer to Paris Saint-Germain was one of the most talked-about in Portugal. Do you feel it was the right time?
Everyone has their own opinion, and I have mine, but I’ll keep it to myself. I don’t know if it was the right time, but the key thing is that I’m here, giving my all. It would have been the same had I stayed at my previous club. The team here is fantastic, and they’ve given me the confidence to show what I can do.

Do you still check if you’re on the squad list?  
I do check the squad list, because luckily, our national team, especially in my position, has some incredible players. There’s always going to be a lot of focus on the quality and quantity of players. I still remember how it felt the first time I was called up. I’ve been fortunate enough to keep being selected, and I’ll continue to do everything I can to stay in the squad.

Will the Nations League help you establish yourself as a starter?
Starting or not is up to the coach. My job is to give 100% in training. Luckily, we have healthy competition and always strive for the best for the team. I’m not focused on being a starter—I just want to do my best.

How has your game changed since your first call-up a year ago?  
Even though it’s only been a year, I think playing and seeing football in a more mature way has helped me become a more experienced player. Over time, I’ve developed a more mature approach to understanding the game. I didn’t even realize a year had passed—time really flies.

You’ve created more goal-scoring opportunities than Messi. How do you view that stat? You have five assists—what has changed between this year and last year?  
This has a lot to do with me playing more in rotation in midfield. I’m part of a team with very talented players, which naturally brings me closer to creating scoring opportunities. I really like Paris Saint-Germain’s style of play, and things have just fallen into place.

Do you feel more comfortable in a three-man or four-man defense?  
The formation largely depends on the match and the players. Personally, I’ve mostly played in a four-man defense, although I’m currently playing in a three-man defense at PSG. But we all have to adapt. I’ll do my best no matter the system—I don’t have a preference here, just the responsibility to fulfill my role in the best way possible.

What have you learned from other midfielders this season?  
Fortunately, they are all great players. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Palhinha—I look up to them and aim to reach their level. Growing alongside them has been fantastic. I’ve learned different things from each of them, and I try to absorb a little from everyone to become a more complete player.