Verratti: 'The opponents are afraid of PSG'
* Bayern - PSG: 3am on Thursday, 9/3, Hanoi time.
"PSG's confidence is a good sign," Verratti said on March 7 in Allianz, Munich during a pre-match press conference. "PSG has great players with character and character, and winning the Champions League is based on that. Over the past few years we've taken on more responsibilities, gained experience and know that the All opponents are afraid of PSG."
According to the 30-year-old midfielder, PSG has carefully analyzed the defeat from the first leg. Verratti also emphasized that PSG have regained their form as well as the tactical system when they won the last three matches, respectively against Lille 4-3, Marseille 3-0 and Nantes 4-2 to firmly build the top spot in Ligue 1. "I want to enjoy myself and get to the quarter-finals. When I step out onto the pitch, the team has to prove themselves strong to win," he added.
In the first leg at Parc des Princes on February 14, Bayern almost dominated the game until Kylian Mbappe came on at the beginning of the second half, when PSG were leading. The French striker missed the opportunity to face and put the ball into the net of goalkeeper Yann Sommer in the 82nd minute, but was denied by VAR due to offside.
"PSG is lucky to have Mbappe, we need players like him," Verratti praised his teammates. "We know it's not over yet, want to put on a top performance tomorrow. We love the pressure. It's important that PSG can count on Mbappe, and he's also eager to shine. bright".
According to the Italian midfielder, PSG meeting Bayern in the final is a better scenario. In fact, the two teams clashed in the Champions League final in 2020 - where Bayern won 1-0 thanks to a header from Kingsley Coman, a striker who played for the youth team and first team of PSG from 2004-2014.
Verratti admitted he was not in top form at the beginning of the season because of injury, but has found his best form. This season, the Italian midfielder has only had one assist in 27 matches in all competitions, including 19 in Ligue 1 and six in the Champions League.
Just like the Champions League final 2019-2020, Coman scored the only goal, helping Bayern win 1-0 in the first leg of the 1/8 round. Since the away goals rule no longer applies, PSG must win by two or more goals on German soil to reach the quarter-finals. If the representative of France wins at least after 90 minutes, the two teams will play extra time and then enter the penalty shootout.
