Chelsea director of football David Barnard has sent a strong message to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after they were drawn to face each other in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The match will be their second high-profile clash in less than a year.
Speaking to the media after the draw, Barnard said that they were set for a tough competition against PSG. However, the English side’s director is confident in his players and added that they do not fear their opponents, saying (via GOAL):
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“PSG, we’ve played them quite a few times. They are the reigning champions but people will probably refer to what happened in the summer at the Club World Cup. It’ll be tough but it holds no fear for us. You can look at the bracket but you can’t take things for granted.”
Liam Rosenior also spoke about the draw during his press conference ahead of the Arsenal clash, saying that he was excited to face the Ligue 1 champions.
“So excited. PSG are a fantastic team. I have experience of playing against them in France. I have always admired them. Luis Enrique has done an incredible job. These are the games you live for, games that you come into football for. It’s going to be a great tie. But we’ve got another three games before that, that I need to focus on.”
Chelsea defeated PSG 3-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup final last summer when Enzo Maresca was in charge of the club. Liam Rosenior faced the French side thrice during his spell with Strasbourg, winning once, drawing once, and losing once.
PSG manager Luis Enrique on facing Chelsea
PSG manager Luis Enrique spoke about their possible UEFA Champions League opponents earlier this week, saying that he was ready to face Barcelona or Chelsea. He admitted it would not be easy against either side, adding that he would need to work on a few things if they drew the Premier League side. He said (via Football London):
“Neither will be easy. Since it doesn’t depend on me, I’ll adapt to whatever comes. They are two incredible teams. Barca is very special to me and is already becoming a classic for me. Like Manchester City and Real Madrid. Barcelona is a unique city, and the club is special. And if we get Chelsea, we’ll have a few things to work on.”
The last UEFA Champions League meeting between Chelsea and PSG ended with the French side winning 2-1 in both legs in the 2015/16 season.
Edited by Sripad
