Paris Saint-Germain will host Manchester United FC at the Parc des Prince as the UEFA Champions League group stage gets underway. The capital club manager, Thomas Tuchel, spoke to the media, where Canal Supporters relayed his words to discuss the matchup.
One of the first topics that the German manager got into was over their absences for the match.
“We hope that Marquinhos and Draxler will be with us during training. I hope they can play tomorrow, but I am confident. We miss Icardi, Verratti, Paredes, Kehrer, and Bernat, that is clear. they are not available for tomorrow.”
The last time United were at the Parc des Prince was last year as they eliminated the capital club in the Round of 16. Tuchel went down memory lane to discuss the loss.
“Against Manchester, it was not a good memory. We had an extraordinary season in Champions League last season, that gave us confidence. We have to start again, show our quality, and that we are able to overcome this difficult group.”
Edinson Cavani chose to continue his European football career elsewhere, Tuchel touches on the difficulty of saying goodbye to El Matador.
“He wanted us to come to Portugal with the whole group. He was decisive against Dortmund to reach Portugal. It will be rare to see him play with another club, but it’s not him against us. It’s not like that. We will be careful because it is difficult to defend Edi. He has the ability to make a difference ”.
The German manager discussed what type of Manchester United squad they will encounter.
“They have changed a lot with new players. The other players have more experience. Pogba remains a key player and one of the best players in the world in the middle. It’s a key to stop it. The other key in the middle is Bruno Fernandes with his assists. Manchester are playing with three super-fast forwards. It is their strength, it is one of the best teams in Europe in attacking transitions, it is necessary to stop them before the counterattacks, that will be the key.”
“We want to play with a lot of possession, we want to impose our style but we have to play with a good structure during our attacks to be able to do a good counter-pressing. Pogba and Fernandes are key players with Matic, as well as their quick forwards. They are good with set-pieces.”
Finally, Tuchel talked about PSG being the Champions League favorite as the club is coming off a final appearance.
“It does not change anything if I say yes or no, it will be a game at the best level against Manchester United. It is the challenge of not thinking about the last Champions League, it was extraordinary, but it’s over. We are another team, and it is the challenge of creating an environment and playing as a team. In a competition like Champions League, it is the most difficult competition. You cannot waste time knowing if you are the favorite.”
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
