“The Parc des Princes is a hot stadium, which transports us. I hope that we will have the best version of our audience, especially when the opponent gives us problems. » Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Luis Enrique makes no mistake. After four Champions League matches this season, his team's record is clear: two clear victories at home, against two sad defeats away.
Tuesday, November 28, against Newcastle (9 p.m.), the Spanish technician is counting on the approximately 46,000 supporters expected at the Parc des Princes to push Kylian Mbappé and his teammates, whose level has varied since the start of the continental competition, depending on the matches . At home, against Dortmund (2-0) and AC Milan (3-0), the Parisians delivered two consistent performances, but, away from home, they struggled to impose their game.
In the north of England, at the beginning of October, Luis Enrique's men were shaken by the electric atmosphere of St James'Park and were never able to compete against Newcastle (1- 4). Same observation at San Siro, where the Parisians bowed to the deafening chants of the Rossoneri (1-2), Friday November 7. A defeat in Lombardy, which knocked Paris from its leadership chair in favor of Dortmund (7 points). With 6 points, PSG occupies second place in Group F, followed by AC Milan (5 points) and Newcastle (4 points).
“We are going to play this match like a final”
Back on the banks of the Seine, the Parisians have the possibility of booking their ticket for the round of 16 on Tuesday against the Magpies: a victory against Newcastle combined with a defeat or a draw for Milan against Dortmund would ensure Paris the one of the first two places. On the other hand, a defeat against the English would put PSG under pressure before a trip to face the boiling “yellow wall” of Dortmund in two weeks. Never since the takeover of the Ile-de-France club by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011 has PSG been eliminated in the group stages of the Champions League.
“We know that this competition can be very short, especially in a very complicated group, where there are only decisive matches,” argued Luis Enrique at a press conference on Monday. We’re going to play this match like a final.” Portuguese midfielder Vitinha assured that PSG would play “a great match to win and be good in this group”.
Since its scathing defeat on the north bank of the Tyne, PSG has reassured itself in the championship and presents itself to its public with certainty. The Parisians have had six victories in Ligue 1, and automatisms are starting to take shape, like Ousmane Dembélé with several of his partners. In difficulty for several weeks, the French international scored his first goal in the PSG jersey during the convincing victory against Monaco (5-2) on Friday. “He generates so much for the team that assists or goals don’t matter. He is the most unbalancing player globally,” praised Luis Enrique.
Marquinhos and Warren Zaire-Emery absent
The French winger will try to forget those absent from his team, such as the captain, Marquinhos, injured in his hamstring, or the phenomenon Warren Zaire-Emery. The 17-year-old midfielder injured his ankle during his first selection with the Blues just after scoring a goal against Gibraltar (14-0). The native of Montreuil (Seine-Saint-Denis) should return to the field at the start of 2024. But Luis Enrique has “no doubt” about the fact that his team is “competitive”, despite these absences.
For its part, Newcastle was unable to continue in the Champions League after its victory against Paris. The English have been beaten twice by Dortmund and are now in last place in Group F. To continue dreaming of qualification, they absolutely must obtain a result at the Parc des Princes. To do this, they will have to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma at least once, something no team has managed to do this season in the Champions League at the Parc des Princes.
