Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann has one less attacker to worry about as Neymar Jr. will not suit up for the UEFA Champions League second-leg contest against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday at Allianz Arena.
However, the fact that PSG will not have the Brazilian isn’t changing the tactical game plan that Nagelsmann has, which might be a good idea considering the German manager still has to worry about Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi.
“It doesn’t change much,” Nagelsmann told reporters (h/t Canal Supporters). “Mbappé will start; that changes things. PSG has a clear idea with Messi and Mbappé in [the] attack. Passes to Messi must be prevented. But we can’t defend everything; Yann [Sommer] will have a role to play.”
Mbappé only played part of the second half in the first leg and scored a goal, but it was called back by VAR due to offside. Nonetheless, a healthy 24-year-old in a big-time game will cause Nagelsmann to lose some sleep before the match.
“We were prepared to see him in the first leg,” Nagelsmann continued. “He is one of the best strikers in the world; it changes the game plan of his team too. He will play from the start tomorrow; we cannot stop him all the time. Mbappé had three good plays in the first leg. You don’t have to defend all the time; otherwise, it will be difficult.”
The duo is clicking right now, as they have scored a goal in three straight games. PSG hopes their scoring ways continue in Munich, with the capital club looking to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals.
