Not really time to savor for Paris Saint-Germain. After their victory against Le Mans this Saturday evening, Luis Enrique’s men already have the lead at their next European meeting. And not the least, since the Parisians will challenge Manchester City in the Champions League. After having launched their campaign perfectly with a resounding success against Slovan Bratislava (6-1), the double title holders will now pass a real test against Enzo Maresca’s men. A shock which arrives at a pivotal moment, while PSG, still on a false rhythm since the start of the season, must gradually gain strength. Especially since FC Barcelona will then appear at the Parc des Princes. Suffice to say that the coming weeks will allow us to measure the true level of the capital club.
And on the players’ side, the impatience is already palpable. Author of his first goal in the Parisian jersey against Le Mans, Maghnès Akliouche quickly projected himself onto this European poster, notably with the prospect of finding Rayan Cherki. “We had to win before City. Now we are focused on this Champions League match. When there is Rayan Cherki in a match, there is often a great spectacle, he has a lot of balls. We can’t wait to be at this match, this big meeting. We know that the schedule is going to be busy, we have confidence and we hope that it will go well”explained the French international in the mixed zone. And before meeting the Citizens, Parisians will even have the opportunity to watch them against Liverpool this Sunday. “Shall we take a look at Liverpool City? Of course, we are football fans like you so we will watch. It’s a very good team, of course, but we’re going to rest to look forward to this match.”he added.
The first big shock of C1
Also present in front of journalists, Lucas Digne was questioned on another subject surrounding Manchester City: the accusations and procedures targeting the English club. But for the Parisian side, there is no question of imagining that these affairs could have any influence on the meeting. “Whether the charges against City will influence the match? No, I don’t think so. They will ignore it, it does not directly concern the players. They are focused on work so there you go”he assured. A way of reminding us that, despite the extra-sporting context which accompanies the Citizens, PSG expects above all to face a team entirely focused on its sporting objectives.
And above all, Digne refuses to place Manchester City above PSG before this confrontation. “If they’re scary? No, we are PSG so we are focusing on ourselves, our phases of play. We have already shown that we are a quality group and we are going to focus on our match.he continued. An ambitious speech, reflecting the expectations which now surround the reigning double European champion. Because if the Parisians provided the essentials against Le Mans, they will have to display a whole new level of intensity and mastery to compete with Manchester City, then Barcelona. Two prestigious meetings which are arriving very quickly and which could give a first real indication of the European ambitions of PSG this season.
