The capital club faces Real Sociedad on Wednesday evening in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League. But will he be able to finally get past this stage of the competition, where he has broken his teeth five times in the last seven seasons? Elements of response with Ligue 1 coaches.
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This is the moment of truth for Paris Saint-Germain. The leader of Ligue 1 returns to the Champions League on Wednesday February 14. The Parisians face Real Sociedad, a Basque club from San Sebastián, in the round of 16 first leg, at the Parc des Princes. PSG has no room for error against an opponent of much lesser caliber on paper.
Paris, placed in a very difficult group in the first round, narrowly qualified in December for the round of 16 of the Champions League. The Parisian coach, Spaniard Luis Enrique, then explained that his team would be better in February. But then, what do the Ligue 1 coaches who have faced PSG since the start of the month think?
A squad to be European champion?
In Strasbourg, PSG almost got surprised by Patrick Vieira’s players (2-1 victory for the Parisians). However, the former world champion, now coach of the Alsatians, is certain: this PSG is cut out to be European champion. “Paris has the squad, the players and the coach, to go for this cup. I, like all the French, are behind Paris Saint-Germain, we hope that they will go to the end”, assures the former Blues midfielder.
An almost mischievous optimism. Brest coach Eric Roy, beaten at the Parc on February 7 (3-1), is of this opinion. For him, it is impossible to imagine PSG stopping in 8th this year. “I don’t see how Real Sociedad could resist these offensive bursts, this ability to make incredible differencesestimates the Brest coach. I actually see them gaining strength. We sincerely hope that they will pass this round.”
A rise in power confirmed by the victory at the Parc against Lille, Saturday February 10 (3-1). Paris seems to be going straight, which PSG owes to its coach Luis Enrique, according to his Portuguese counterpart at Losc, Paulo Fonseca. The Lille coach even believes “that PSG is stronger”. Since Dortmund, PSG has played ten matches, without losing a single one, and even won the three played in February. Luis Enrique was perhaps right: PSG is better, in any case, it will be fixed quickly.