Pochettino warns PSG to be ready for onslaught from Bayern Munich
Mauricio Pochettino warns PSG to be ready for the inevitable onslaught from ‘best team in the world’ Bayern Munich, as the Germans look to overturn their Champions League quarter-final first-leg deficit
- PSG carry a 3-2 advantage against Bayern Munich into the second leg
- The French side suffered in Munich last week but Kylian Mbappe scored twice
- Mauricio Pochettino labelled Hansi Flick’s side ‘the best team in the world’
- But he wants his side to show determination when they come under pressure
Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino has urged his side to demonstrate ‘solidarity and solidity’ in moments of adversity in their Champions League second leg against holders Bayern Munich.
The French side carry a 3-2 advantage against Bayern Munich into their Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
PSG suffered in Munich last Wednesday with the German champions boasting 31 attempts on goal, but Pochettino’s team were ruthless up front with Kylian Mbappe scoring a double.
Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino has urged his side to demonstrate ‘solidarity and solidity’ against Bayern Munich
PSG carry a 3-2 advantage into the second leg after Kylian Mbappe’s double in Munich
The French champions reached this stage having advanced from the last 16 with a 4-1 away win in the first leg against Barcelona before suffering in the return leg at home in a 1-1 draw.
And the Argentine is wary of the same issue on home soil against Hansi Flick’s side – who he labelled the ‘best team in Europe, best team in the world,’ – but has called on his side to stick together, maintain possession and ‘hurt the opposition’.
‘It was already hard to keep the ball against Barcelona already, it doesn’t matter who is playing. It’s a question of collective attitude,’ Pochettino said.
‘It’s a challenge for tomorrow, being able to keep the ball and hurt the opposition.
But Pochettino is expecting ‘moments when we will struggle’ in the return leg on home soil
‘The Barca game is behind us and the Bayern game is another story. There will be moments when we will struggle and it’s in these moments that we will need to show solidarity and solidity.’
PSG’s superior away record is also in evidence in Ligue 1, with their best performance of the season coming last month in a 4-2 win at Olympique Lyonnais, which was followed nine days ago by a 1-0 home loss to Lille.
‘I agree that we’ve been better away from home,’ Pochettino added. ‘It is something we will have to look into at the end of the season but let’s hope things start turning around tomorrow.’
They will, however, be without captain Marquinhos in the starting XI after the centre back picked up an adductor muscle injury in the first leg.
Pochettino also labelled the German side ‘ the best team in Europe, best team in the world’
‘I don’t know yet if he will be playing,’ said Pochettino.
‘We will see how he feels tomorrow and he could be in the squad but I don’t think he will be able to start. So maybe he’ll be on the bench.’
Italy midfielder Marco Verratti is eligible following a week-long isolation after being infected by COVID-19 while on international duty, but he is also unlikely to start.
‘In principle, it will be difficult for Marco to start while Alessandro Florenzi’s situation will be assessed tomorrow,’ added the Argentine coach.
Italy full back Florenzi also tested positive for COVID-19 upon his return from international duty.
He will, however, be without captain Marquinhos in the starting XI following an adductor injury
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