Paris Saint-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel has given his first press conference since it was announced that the Ligue 1 champions are to take on Manchester United in the Champions League Round of 16.
‘It’s always difficult to play Manchester United,’
said Tuchel, as reported by The Metro.
‘They have lots of experience in this competition, they’ve won it numerous times. It’s always difficult to play at Old Trafford, it’s always a big challenge.
‘It’s a big challenge for us, but if I were a spectator I would watch this game on TV.’
Tuchel was also quick to refute claims that Les Parisiens are favourites to take the tie, given United’s poor form;
‘Favourite? I do not think so, because we have a lack of experience in the quarter and semi finals.
‘We must respect the clubs that have this experience and Manchester United is one of them.’
Perhaps more interestingly for fans of both sides is Tuchel being asked on the future of one his apparently discontent stars in the galaxy of prestige players he has at his disposal at the Parc des Princes.
Rabiot, 23, has been a long rumoured transfer target for a host of Premier League clubs including Manchester United, and Tuchel has stoked the fires once again with his latest comments regarding the talented midfielder:
“I cannot guarantee that Adrien (Rabiot) will finish the season with us. Because it is still the same thing. He did not say yes to PSG. And as a result of that, everything is possible.”
“Like you say, it was necessary and important for me, for us, to sign a number 6 for our team this summer. Now we are in winter and it is the same thing. It depends on the situations of Adrien Rabiot and Lassana Diarra. Maybe we will need them now.”
Rabiot has made close to 230 appearances for PSG and collected a massive 17-piece haul of silverware that includes four league titles since his first-team debut in 2012.
Over in North-West England, United’s midfield is in dire need of the kiss of life; £47million man Fred simply hasn’t gelled, Nemanja Matic’s passing is consistently maligned, and record-signing Paul Pogba has been relegated to the bench.
A player of Rabiot’s calibre plying his trade at Old Trafford could provide a much needed resurgence to United’s midriff. Interestingly, Rabiot spent part of his youth career at their fierce cross-town rivals, Manchester City, and out of contract at the season, could be a sensational bargain whilst also allowing United to recruit for positions elsewhere.
A big loss for the Parisians...
#PSG
