Next Wednesday, FC Barcelona will head to Paris for the initial leg of their UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain. A notable element of this fixture will be the strategic battle between managers Luis Enrique and Xavi Hernandez.
One of the issues that Xavi will need to tackle over the 180 minutes is how the defense will contain PSG star Kylian Mbappé. The 25-year-old made his presence known in the second leg against Real Sociedad in the Round of 16.
Furthermore, in 2021, the Frenchman registered a hat-trick against Barcelona. So, how could the Catalan side limit his influence? Former PSG manager Luis Fernández gave a direct response.
“How to stop Mbappé? Kylian needs to be marked collectively,” Fernández said.
Luis Fernández (former PSG coach): "How to stop Mbappé? Kylian needs to be marked collectively." pic.twitter.com/p91rUWGk8j
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) April 5, 2024
Former footballer Aday Benítez recently stated that he sees the Parisians having the edge over the Spanish giants. Benítez notes that PSG having manager Luis Enrique and his experience gives them an advantage over Barcelona, who have Xavi and doesn’t have the pedigree of the 53-year-old.
P.S.G no way
P.S.G – lose no way