Marquinhos has downplayed the notion that Paris Saint-Germain players have a “motivation problem.”

PSG failed to extend its winning streak to four matches on Ligue 1 matchday 33, as Lorient pulled off an upset 3-1 away win over the reigning France top-flight champions. PSG allowed three goals in a match for the first time since its dramatic 4-3 Ligue 1 home win over Lille OSC in February.

There has been plenty of outside criticism directed toward the PSG players as of late centering on the belief that they have not been playing with much motivation at this stage in the season, especially following the team’s early exit in the UEFA Champions League competition. Marquinhos does not believe (via RMC Sport) this to be the case with his PSG teammates.

“No, it wasn’t a problem of motivation,” Marquinhos told Canal+ Sport after the match. “We tried to put things in place but we weren’t good in duels, we were always behind but it’s in moments like that that great players must come out.

“We must not take goals in difficult moments, and we did not succeed today. We have already had difficult moments in which we are strong, and then we manage to have opportunities to score in front. … We have to recover right away to get the three points in the next game.”

PSG will now turn its attention to a Ligue 1 away fixture against Troyes coming up on matchday 34.