PSG fully prepared to face Liverpool at Parc des Princes
The 4-1 victory over Lille was a test for Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the clash with Liverpool in the “16” of the Champions League, said the Parisians’ coach, Luis Enrique.
One half was enough for Paris Saint-Germain, who scored four goals and take another step towards winning this year’s French championship by prevailing 4-1 over Lille. Luis Enrique’s team reached 62 points compared to 49 for second-placed Marseille. On the other hand, Lille remained in 5th place in the standings.
‘The 4-1 victory over Lille was a test for Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the clash with Liverpool in the “16” of the UEFA Champions League, said the Parisians’ coach, Luis Enrique.
The hosts scored four goals in the first half, thus reaching their 10th consecutive victory in all competitions. The French champions remain unbeaten since losing to Bayern Munich in November.
Bradley Barcola opened the scoring in the 6th minute, with
Marquinhos (22′), Dembele (28′) and Douet (37′)
then taking the lead. Lille only managed to reduce the deficit to 4-1 in the 80th minute through
David, but it was too late to claim anything from the game.
Our best season
“This is our best season. Now we have to think about the two games against Liverpool, focus on recovery and be ambitious. They are the team in the best form in Europe, both in terms of results and the way they play. It could be a Champions League final, so we will try to play to our potential,” continued the Spanish coach of the Parisian team.
Premier League leaders Liverpool topped their UEFA Champions League group, while Paris Saint-Germain finished 15th and then beat Brest in the play-offs to reach the last 16. The two teams met twice in the 2018 Champions League group stage, with each side winning at home.
“We won’t change much. This was a test, Liverpool and Lille have a similar style. We put them under so much pressure that they couldn’t play the way they wanted to,” said Enrique.
“It will be different, it will be very difficult, of course, but we are in the best phase of the season. We will play against the best team in Europe. But it is not in our mentality to defend, we will attack and try to turn it around,” he commented.
Luis Enrique does not face any particular problems. This is how he will line up his best possible eleven, where of course Ousmane Dembele, who is in an impressive form, has the first say. The left-footed midfielder, who this year is without the presence of Kylian Mbappe (he went to Real Madrid, as is well known), has a free role and literally plays (with absolute success) wherever he wants. One is a center forward, the other a right winger, the other a midfielder or a left winger. And Luis Enrique, as well as the Paris fans, are happy to have such a player in their team…
For his part, the Dutchman, Arne Slot, has out of action: Amara Nalo (suspended), Connor Bradley (injured-contusion), Joe Gomez (injured-contusion), while Tyler Morton is doubtful (shoulder problem). Paris Saint-Germain host Liverpool in the first leg on Wednesday, while the return leg is scheduled for March 11 in Liverpool.
Their matches in Europe:
10.04.1997 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (-1999) Semi-Finals 1st Leg H Paris Saint-Germain 3:0 Liverpool
24. 04.1997 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (-1999) Semi-Finals 2nd Leg Liverpool 2:0 Paris Saint-Germain
28.11.2018 UEFA Champions League Group C H Paris Saint-Germain 2:1 Liverpool FC
18.09.2018 UEFA Champions League Group C A Liverpool 3:2 Paris Saint-Germain
Manos Staramopoulos
Journalist and Analyst of International Football and Affairs
Chief Editor English Zone of Discoveryfootball.com
Athens (Greece)
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