Paris Saint-Germain supervisor Christophe Galtier has conceded that he’s fearful about the prospect of going through Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich within the Champions League final 16 on Tuesday.
The Parisians have endured an actual stoop in 2023, having gained simply 5 of their ten video games throughout all competitions because the flip of the yr.
Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Monaco was PSG’s second straight loss after their Coupe de France humbling in opposition to fierce rivals Marseille – hardly the perfect preparation for a gathering with one in every of Europe’s most feared groups.
While Galtier admitted he has a variety of work to do to arrange his facet, he urged followers to be practical and perceive the toll that accidents and a abdomen bug had taken on the group earlier than their newest defeat.
“If I wasn’t worried, it’d be a serious problem,” Galtier stated after the sport. “We will see if some absentees can begin the match on Tuesday.
“We have a busy schedule with a weakened squad. Yes, we’re fearful, however it’s important to keep clear. I perceive the anger of the followers, however in these troublesome occasions, we’d like unity.
“This morning, we had to make and remake the lineup in relation to the health of certain players. The team that lined up had a totally different look to usual. We thought about the team but we had to modify it because some could not start.
“There isn’t any room for doubt, however there may be the remark which can’t be hid within the present circumstance. It shall be an important match in opposition to a Bayern Munich facet who are recovering. We have to speak much less, work extra and be honest with our evaluation.”
Galtier also doubled down on his insistence that injured forward Kylian Mbappe will not be available to face Bayern, despite claims from the German side’s camp that concerns about his injury may have been exaggerated.
“I don’t assume [Mbappe will play],” the boss insisted.
“He is following his rehabilitation protocol. He suffered a serious muscle damage. We do not need to take any dangers with Kylian, however we’re hoping to recuperate each Marco Verratti and Leo [Messi], and those that have been on the bench right here ought to be capable to begin the match.”