Results against Milan ‘vital’ for PSG’s UCL progress – Enrique،
Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League matches against AC Milan are vital for their qualification in a tough group, coach Luis Enrique said on Tuesday ahead of the clash at the Parc des Princes.
PSG are second in Group F after a shock 4-1 defeat at Newcastle United earlier this month and will face seven-time winners Milan home and away in their next two matches in the competition.
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The French club has three points, behind Newcastle with four but one point ahead of Milan. Borussia Dortmund has a point.
“These are vital games [against Milan] given the circumstances of the last two rounds, but we focus on each match,” Enrique told reporters.
“The real value of AC Milan is that it is a great team that has always played in major competitions.
“All clubs in the world have ups and downs, but AC Milan is doing well at the moment. That’s why they call it the ‘Group of Death’: all four teams can qualify.”
Asked how PSG would approach Wednesday’s match, Enrique replied: “Attacking as always, we are a team that has always attacked.
“We have always had more possession than our opponents. We will also have to defend in our own half. I am optimistic from what I see, from what I perceive from my players in the way they train .
“The fans appreciate this mentality of the players, they like to see the team defend in an organized way, that we press against our opponents, that we always attack.”
On Wednesday, the two goalkeepers will face their former teams, Mike Maignan, 28, against PSG and Gianluigi Donnarumma against Milan after his departure on a free transfer in 2021.
Donnarumma has been criticized by Milan fans since his departure, but the 24-year-old said he had tried to block him, adding: “It’s important for me to have good relationships because I’ve always gave everything until my last match. .
“It’s normal that the criticism hurts me a little. But I don’t have time to think about it, I have to stay focused on this match which is going to be very difficult and full of emotion.
“I have to stay focused and not let emotion get the better of me. There will be a lot of emotion and it will be a great joy to reunite with my former teammates.”
