If there is one player who Atalanta can go to within its team to ask for advice on how to take on Paris Saint-Germain, it is midfielder Adrien Tameze, who is currently on a midseason loan with Atalanta from Ligue 1 side OGC Nice. The midfielder was often on the wrong side of the end result, but he does have key experience in facing Neymar and company.
In an interview with Le Parisien, Tameze previewed the upcoming UEFA Champions League duel between PSG and Atalanta. His side is in top form with goals coming of plenty as of late, but he recognizes that PSG is a prolific side as well and one many teams wanted to avoid in last week’s draw.
“If only because of the quality of its players, Paris are considered one of the best teams,” Tameze said. “Even though they have failed to reach the last four in recent years, the team is still made up of Mbappe, Neymar and Di Maria, all of whom are world-class players with an international reputation.”
Tameze has noticed the recent hype surrounding PSG but is confident that his side can match up well.
“On paper, Paris is perhaps stronger,” Tameze said. “But we have a chance. We played Juve on Saturday and we were as good, if not better than them, especially in the first half. Today everyone says it’s the year of Paris because there are no return matches. But it’s the same for us, all hopes are allowed!”
Tameze acknowledges the notable difference in Atalanta having many more games played as of late than PSG, which could give the Italian side an edge in preparation. When asked whether Atalanta will have an advantage in this, he agreed.
“I think so, yes,” Tameze said. “We did a lot of preparation before we got back into the championship and we saw how much it helped us, especially in the later games when we were still able to push. All the more so as we’ll have played Juve, Inter and the big teams who also impose a big rhythm. Physically, we’ll be in better shape.”
The two teams will face off on Aug. 12 in a single-legged tie set to take place in Lisbon, Portugal.
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
