Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves said that his team intends to nullify Liverpool‘s threat by having as much of the ball as possible over the course of the two sides’ Champions League last-16 tie.
PSG versus Liverpool is one of the picks of the round, with both teams going into the tie in excellent form: PSG has not tasted defeat since a narrow loss away to Bayern Munich last November, while Liverpool currently sits at the top of the Premier League and also finished first in the Champions League‘s inaugural league phase.
Liverpool is among the favorites to win the competition and Neves knows that he and his teammates are going to have their work cut out to make it through to the quarter-finals.
“I think the team is ready,” Neves told club media. “We have to play our football, that’s the best way to get a win. Liverpool are a very good team, they finished top of the league phase. I’m also very happy with the way we’re playing, and if we can reproduce that on Wednesday, it will be perfect.
“The best way to defend against these players is to have the ball. One of our strategies is to get the ball, keep it and try to play quality football. We’re going to try to cut off possession and keep the ball as much as possible. As a team, I think we’re better. Every detail counts in this kind of match, every duel is important to make a difference.”
PSG has had plenty of high-profile players over the years, including Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, but the club has changed its approach recently, preferring to build a team comprised of younger players and focusing on building a team rather than indulging individuals.
The club’s on-field prospects have improved as a result, with the team heading into the first leg against Liverpool on a 10-match winning run.
“We’re getting better every day,” Neves added. “At the start of the Champions League, it was a bit difficult for us. Not because we weren’t playing well, but because we weren’t scoring many goals. We play every match with the same approach, the same rhythm and the same quality.
“We haven’t lost for four months now, which is great for our confidence. I have strengths and weaknesses like everyone else, but as a team, we’re making progress and growing. We’re in our best form.”
