PSG - Bayern: Waiting for Messi and Mbappe
PSG are hoping that 2023 will end their thirst for European titles, when Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are in high form from the 2022 World Cup. However, these two stars leave the possibility of playing the first leg round. 1/8 met Bayern, due to injury. "I hope Mbappe can play a few minutes in this match, because he is recovering well," Neymar said at a press conference on February 13.
However, it is not excluded that this is a blow to the French club, and Bayern also do not believe that Messi and Mbappe will be absent. Also in the pre-match press conference, coach Julian Nagelsmann still considered the possibility that the two stars in the 2022 World Cup final would start playing for PSG. "We can only stop Messi by playing as a team," said the Bayern coach. "We have to cut the passes to Messi, Neymar and Mbappe. PSG also have very fast and talented full-backs. However, they will also have to think of ways to deal with our players."
The importance of Messi, Mbappe and Neymar to PSG is exposed in the last two matches, when they have all failed. Christophe Galtier's army was eliminated from the French Cup by Marseille on the evening of February 8 in the absence of Mbappe. In the last match at Monaco, PSG continued to lose 1-3 when Messi and Mbappe were also absent. After missing Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea at the end of January 2023, the PSG attack no longer had enough experienced players to replace one of the three stars mentioned above.
The young player who replaced Mbappe to play against Monaco was 1.89 m tall striker Hugo Ekitike, but he did not leave an impression. The 21-year-old striker and midfielder Vitinha were even scolded by Neymar, according to French newspaper L'Équipe. A series of other unfavorable rumors about PSG appeared on the eve of their most important match of the season, such as the fact that Messi did not want to renew and Neymar could be for sale.
"The PSG players respect each other, sometimes we disagree, but then we sit down to solve the problem," Neymar said. "Every time we lose, it's normal for us to get angry, it's important that we continue to fight and work towards the common goal."
Because the knockout round of the Champions League no longer counts the away goal rule, the first leg result is unlikely to guarantee which team will advance. However, with home advantage, PSG need to aim for victory at Parc des Princes, before a difficult match in the second leg at the Allianz Arena. However, the last time they played in Munich, PSG won 3-2 to win a place in the semi-finals in 2021.
Like PSG, Bayern had a bit of a difficult time in the post-World Cup period, when they drew four consecutive matches. But in the last three matches, "Gray Lobster" won and scored a total of 11 goals. Their form in the Champions League is also absolutely high, with six wins in the group stage against "hard" opponents like Barca or Inter. Bayern can be appreciated for their collective play, but the team that owns Messi, Neymar and Mbappe cannot be underestimated.
Bayern also miss key players such as goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, defender Lucas Hernandez and striker Sadio Mane because of long-term injuries. In return, coach Nagelsmann welcomed midfielder Joshua Kimmich back from suspension to pair with Leon Goretzka in the middle. The power of Bayern was also newly added in January 2023, with defender Joao Cancelo. Despite playing in the Champions League group stage for Man City this season, Cancelo is still eligible to kick the knockout round for Bayern.
The match at Parc des Princes tonight is considered the highlight of the round, with fans and players alike. Midfielder Goretzka said that "the whole of Europe is waiting for the match" and "every player wants to play this match".
Therefore, Mbappe and Messi will probably play and kick, although it may have to be painful.
