Paris Saint-Germain is set for yet another daunting challenge as the side will be taking on FC Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Wednesday.
Leandro Paredes and his PSG teammates just faced Bayern in the Champions League final less than a year ago. Many presumed that last season’s Champions League run from PSG would catapult the side into being more of a dominant force, but this has not been the case this season because of its inconsistent form in all competitions.
Paredes notes that there is one aspect that PSG must continue to improve on, which he detailed to PSG TV.
“I think we needed to improve mentally after last season, and we’ve done that,” Paredes said. “With the physical work we do and the recovery after a difficult start to the season, we’re now better than last season. We have quality players, and we have the ambition of going far.”
Paredes will not be featuring in the first leg of the tie due to a yellow card suspension. Thus, PSG will have to rely on another midfielder to step up in the Argentine’s absence. Still, Paredes is confident that his teammates can pull through for a strong result without him.
“It’s tough for me to accept that I won’t be on the pitch to help my teammates,” Paredes said. “I knew that I was under the threat of a suspension when we played Barcelona. I got a yellow card.
“But I have confidence in my teammates to go and get a result over there and I hope to be available for the second leg.
“The squad is 100% ready. We’re going into this last part of the season with a huge amount of determination and this game motivates us a lot.”
Paredes will be back for the second leg of the tie next week, which PSG may look for him to start in the match.
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