Tuchel: 'An important match'
Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel spoke to the press ahead of the Coupe de la Ligue quarter-final against Saint-Étienne at the Parc des Princes this Wednesday:
SQUAD
"Abdou Diallo, Presnel Kimpembe and Thiago Silva are out. THe rest of the squad is available for Wednesday. It means we can make changes and give others, who didn't play against Linas-Montlhéry, some minutes. I hope it means we will play with intensity. Using the who squad is important. We try to manage the minutes, but it's not easy. It also depends on how the player feels, if they're tired, if they feel ready... Some matches are more demanding than others. There are lots of factors to take into account."
SAINT-ÉTIENNE
"It will be a difficult match because Saint-Étienne are a very balanced side, compact and defensive. We managed to create chances against them a few weeks ago (4-0). We need to do the same on Wednesday. For us, its an important match to win, a big challenge. I am convinced we are ready."
DI MARIA / MBAPPÉ / ICARDI / NEYMAR JR
"They have show what they are capable of, not only in attack but also with their defensive duties. We have played some great football in recent weeks, with great results, the right mentality, intensity, hard work and good stats. We are confident in attack and in defence. The 4-4-2 gives the players a lot of responsabilities. It's not easy to play that way... but it's possible. I am very happy with the results and the way we're playing. We need to keep being strong and balanced."
SERGIO RICO
"He is doing great things. I am very happy with him. He will start tomorrow. Whenever he gets a chance he is taking it with both hands. He is also training very well and is a reliable member of the squad. His challenge is to keep going."