Thomas Tuchel: 'A huge challenge'

A few minutes after the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw and on the eve of the Coupe de la Ligue BKT last 16 clash in Orléans, on Tuesday 18 December at 21:00 at the Stade de la Source, the Paris Saint-Germain coach answered questions from the media. Extracts.

INJURIES

"Neymar was at the hospital for some examinations. The results were positive, but he is not yet back to 100%. He trained on Sunday, but not at the normal intensity, so he won't play on Tuesday. It's the same for Lassana Diarra, who injured his knee. Everyone else is available to play."

ORLÉANS
"We have prepared, the same way we do for every match. Orléans beat Reims in the Coupe de la Ligue. Right now, they're in a tough situation as they failed to win their last match. For us, the challenge will be to play our own game. They will be playing at home, and it's a cup tie... it's always complicated. We'll need to play with plenty of application and intensity."

MANCHESTER UNITED

"You can't really be satisfied - or dissatisfied - with the draw. We're in the round of 16 and the seven other teams are all quality sides. It's a very difficult competition. Manchester United have a lot of experience in this competition, and they have won it several times. Playing at Old Trafford is always very difficult. In any case, if I were a spectator, I would watch this match! Are Paris favourites? I don't think so. We still lack experience in the quarters, the semis and the final. We have to respect these clubs who are experienced in the competition, like Manchester United. We're capable of winning at Old Trafford. It's a huge challenge, but I have confidence in my team. We have to have respect for them - and confidence in ourselves. I'm convinced that we can get the win against them."

SCHEDULE

"In my opinion, it's important to keep winning and to show that we are hungry. Playing every match in the first two months of the year will be important. Playing solidly in our matches before the end of the year is important for everyone. The Coupe de la Ligue campaign is about to begin, and we're hoping for a win on Tuesday. We mustn't let ourselves shift focus to Manchester United just yet. That would be a big mistake."