PSG coach Thomas Tuchel admits he’s very impressed by Champions League quarter-final opponents Atalanta. ‘They have a totally unique style and Papu Gomez is always free to roam.’
The clash kicks off in Lisbon on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“Defending well is going to be very important against Atalanta,” Tuchel told beIN Sports.
PSG coach Thomas Tuchel admits he’s very impressed by Champions League quarter-final opponents Atalanta. ‘They have a totally unique style and Papu Gomez is always free to roam.’
The clash kicks off in Lisbon on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
“Defending well is going to be very important against Atalanta,” Tuchel told beIN Sports.
“They have a totally unique style. They attack with all their players, move forward all the time and press everywhere. Their Number 10, Gomez, is always free to roam. He tries to combine with other players in small spaces.
“They like to play down both sides with very attacking wingers, they put in crosses, but can also hit shots from distance.
“All this means we have to be very focused in defence and try not to concede, but we know that’s going to be very difficult keeping a clean sheet against Atalanta.”
Gian Piero Gasperini’s men scored 98 goals in 38 Serie A rounds, failing to find the net only twice all season.
They scored in all but their very first Champions League fixture, finding the net 16 times in seven games, including four both home and away with Valencia in the Round of 16.
“Keylor Navas could be the key, because he is always calm and has so much experience in this competition,” added Tuchel.
“He can keep talking to the defenders and calm everything down.”