Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League game against AC Milan is crucial to their bid to get out of a difficult group, coach Luis Enrique said on Tuesday ahead of the match at the Parc des Princes.
PSG are second in Group F following 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.
The French club collected three points, four points behind Newcastle, but one point ahead of Milan.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund only has one point.
“This is an important match [against Milan] considering the situation in the last two rounds, but we are concentrating on each match,” Enrique told reporters.
“The true value of AC Milan is a great team that always plays in big competitions.
“Every club in the world has ups and downs, but AC Milan is in good shape at the moment. That’s why it’s called the ‘Group of Death’: all four teams can get through.”
Asked how PSG would approach Wednesday’s game, Enrique said: “Attack as usual, we are a team that always attacks.
“We always have more possession than our opponents. We also have to defend in our own defensive area. I am optimistic from what I see, from what I feel from my players in the way they train.
“The fans appreciate the mentality of these players, they like to see the team defend in an organized way, that we press our opponents, that we always attack.”
On Wednesday both goalkeepers will be pitted against their former sides, with Mike Maignan facing PSG and Gianluigi Donnarumma set to face Milan after leaving 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 stop it, adding: “It’s important for me to have a good relationship because I always give everything until my last game.”
“It’s normal if criticism hurts me a little. But I don’t have time to think about that, I have to stay focused on this competition, which will be very difficult and emotional.”
“I have to stay focused and not let my emotions get the better of me. There will be a lot of emotions, and it will be a great joy to meet my old teammates.”
