Thomas Tuchel believes Edinson Cavani and Marco Verratti can prove decisive for Paris Saint-Germain in a “special game” with Napoli, while the Coach was “inspired” by Carlo Ancelotti.
It kicks off on Wednesday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
Thiago Silva is out injured, with Angel Di Maria and Marco Verratti back in the squad, but inevitably the focus will be on former Napoli star Cavani.
Thomas Tuchel believes Edinson Cavani and Marco Verratti can prove decisive for Paris Saint-Germain in a “special game” with Napoli, while the Coach was “inspired” by Carlo Ancelotti.
It kicks off on Wednesday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
Thiago Silva is out injured, with Angel Di Maria and Marco Verratti back in the squad, but inevitably the focus will be on former Napoli star Cavani.
“Edinson is important for us and at this moment perhaps he’s feeling a little sad that he isn’t scoring as much, but I told him the situation will change and he shouldn’t think about it,” said Tuchel in his Press conference.
“He works hard for the team, just needs to keep the faith and the goal will come. I know tomorrow is a special game for him and I hope he scores.”
Despite spending big on the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain are still struggling in Europe.
“We are a big club, but do not have much Champions League experience and are not accustomed to going all the way in this tournament, so I wouldn’t call us favourites. It’s a very complicated group.
“Thiago Silva didn’t train today and although we have another session tomorrow morning, it’s unlikely he’ll recover in time to play.
“Verratti trained and that’s important. He had some negative sensations against Amiens, but has now recovered and will play tomorrow. It’s special for him too, I know he cares for Ancelotti and has a special rapport with the Coach. Plus he’s playing against an Italian side, so I think he can make the difference.
“Ancelotti’s Milan had such fluid football and an extraordinary team. I was inspired by him and his sides. Napoli did well against Liverpool with energy and intelligence, playing 4-4-2 with Allan and Marek Hamsik in the centre. They have players like Lorenzo Insigne and others who can make the difference at any moment.
“We must remain vigil, patient and at the same time with the intensity to play a great game. Napoli have been playing together for many years and still have some of the movements that Maurizio Sarri drilled into them.
“It’ll be important to counter their pressing with our own organised approach, as Napoli can attack in many ways and with many players. We’ve got to play to the best of our capabilities and also have a little bit of luck. One player is not enough, so we need to play as a team if we are to have any chance of beating Napoli.”
PSG lost the opener in this group 3-2 to Liverpool, then flattened Red Star Belgrade 6-1, so they are joint second behind Napoli’s four points.
“I think this can be a turning point, because many things have changed in our approach since Liverpool. At times it is necessary to lose, as it can teach you valuable lessons and show you what has to be improved.
“The defeat to Liverpool was an important experience for us. We must continue to focus on well-organised pressing and through balls, as they are indispensable elements for us. There are three crucial weeks ahead of us, as we’ll play Napoli twice, Marseille, Lille and Monaco.”