Paris Saint-Germain head into the defence of their Champions League title as a extra assured staff than the one which went on to clinch an historic treble, in response to coach Luis Enrique.
Atalanta go to the Parc des Princes on Wednesday as PSG start their league part marketing campaign with a tough conflict with their Serie A opponents.
Liverpool and Barcelona are the bookmakers’ favourites to raise the trophy this season however, talking in his pre-match press convention, Luis Enrique made it clear his time shouldn’t be written off.
Requested if his staff had skilled a drop-off since their crushing 5-0 win over Inter Milan sealed a maiden Champions League triumph, Luis Enrique stated: “Are we taking part in rather less properly? I disagree. It’s all the time about analysing what we’re doing.
“Final 12 months, it was an advanced time due to our lack of effectivity in assault. However that’s the traditional strategy of a staff that desires to enhance. Now we have extra confidence than final 12 months at this level within the Champions League.
“The primary title is all the time troublesome as a result of the gamers don’t assume they’re able to successful it. However we confirmed the way in which.
“Now, all of PSG and the younger gamers wish to win as a result of they know they’re able to it. For me, it’s tougher to win the primary than the second or third.”
PSG are set to be with out Ousmane Dembele (hamstring) and Désiré Doué (calf), although they’re hopeful Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will be capable to play regardless of struggling a calf damage in a 2-0 win over Lens final Saturday.
Bradley Barcola’s double made it 4 wins from 4 for PSG to start out the brand new Ligue 1 season.
And captain Marquinhos has full religion in Barcola to proceed to ship amid the absences of Dembele and Doue.
“In this sort of case, there are all the time gamers who can reap the benefits of it. Bradley is rarely a shock to us,” Marquinhos stated.
“Individuals round him could appeal to extra consideration, however he has all the time been very decisive for us, particularly in instances after we wanted him.
“However we shouldn’t put all of the stress on Barcola. Essential gamers won’t be there tomorrow, however key gamers who aren’t strikers have scored vital objectives, reminiscent of Fabian Ruiz, Achraf Hakimi or Nuno Mendes.”
