Mauricio Pochettino: 'It's like a final'

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The Paris Saint-Germain coach faced the media ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg at Real Madrid.

SQUAD SPIRIT

"For a team like Paris Saint-Germain, the best way to defend a result is to attack, dominate, and play in the opponent's half. We were able to do that for 90 minutes in the first leg, but it'll be tougher on Wednesday. The match is going to make very big demands of us. It's like a final. We have to approach it in the same way as the first leg."

REAL MADRID

"Madrid won't change their way of playing because of injuries or suspensions. Their playing style will be the same. We know each other well, we've seen all their games, they've seen ours. We'll have to play with intensity, and try to control the ball to keep them away from our penalty area. We're going to try and bring the ball out well and then press to create chances. It's a match in which the tactics could change depending on which players are on the pitch."

 

 

FAVOURITES

"We won the first leg and we have to stay out in front. We respect Real Madrid, their players. It's no accident that the club has won the Champions League 13 times. But we're not afraid. We know we have to be serious and demanding in our play. It's a competition that every player, member of staff, and club wants to win. We have to do all we can to qualify."

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ

"We have talked, he's good. When he suffered the knock, he shouted with pain and it hurt. He could walk fine two hours later. I hope he'll be able to train and will feel good after Tuesday's session."