Pacho experienced a rare setback during the Club World Cup against Bayern Munich, where he received a red card for a late challenge on Leon Goretzka.
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A team source attributed the mistimed tackle to extreme fatigue from an extended competitive season, emphasizing that the player maintained strong psychological resilience despite the expulsion.
Joachim Vercaigne, the former recruitment director at Royal Antwerp where Pacho played from January 2022 to 2023, stated that his recent performances simply confirm his established value over the last two seasons.
The Bayern Munich match served as validation for external observers who may have underestimated him.
An internal club source indicated that a victory in the upcoming final against Arsenal would represent the ultimate validation for the player.
When external commentators labeled him the top defender globally, Pacho deflected the praise toward his teammates, such as Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes, emphasizing that his success depends entirely on the collective group.
PSG sporting director Luis Campos revealed that Pacho's humble attitude and high motivation heavily influenced the decision to recruit him.
Campos recalled an incident where Pacho flew to Madrid immediately upon hearing of the club's transfer interest, demonstrating his dedication.
After a full day of meetings, Campos finalized his decision and informed manager Luis Enrique of the player's commitment.
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The Champions League final against Arsenal is scheduled for Saturday at 6:00 PM in Budapest.
