Christophe Galtier: 'We have the quality to respond to this pressure'
The Paris Saint-Germain coach spoke to the press ahead of the encounter against Benfica on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League group stage, which will be played on Wednesday evening.
BENFICA
"From the start they have had to the season, I am expecting to see a very competitive team. They are a team that is unbeaten since the start of the season, that is very interesting to watch and very well organised, with quality both on an individual level, but also an impressive collective strength. As the matches took place and we found out our draw, we followed this team. I am not surprised that they are at this level. Benfica can consider themselves a favourite for this group, of course. We are calm. We are coming here full of confidence. There will be an extraordinary atmosphere, this stadium really pushes hard. But I have players who have a lot of experience in that domain Will we be capable of responding to this pressure? I think we have the qualities to do so. With lots of focus and determination, I think we can be very dangerous."
The key to the match
"We will need to have the ability to play under pressure. We have a team that will look to come out to get us, it's in their DNA but also in their coach's DNA. When we have chances, we will need to be extremely ruthless."
MARCO VERRATTI
"He has 90 minutes in his legs. He has played a lot, even though he has often come off during matches, when the result has been secured. He is ready, he has no issues physically. He didn't play this weekend because he was suspended."
THE ROLE OF THE WING-BACKS
"Our system, our way of playing makes the wing-backs very important. We work on variety in order to link-up on both sides. I am very pleased with my wing-backs. They are very important players who have lots of legs, and real quality when crossing. We really focus on using them both when playing out from the back, but also in attack in the final 30 metres."
A PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN WITH A PORTUGUESE TOUCH
"I have been working with lots of Portuguese players for quite a few seasons now. I have discovered their methodology, the way of doing things, that open mindedness. And our players are lads who like to talk and who, above all, are incredible professionals. The Portuguese league always creates excellent talent, there's real know-how. They are very serious lads."