Tuchel: ‘Start a new series’
On the eve of Week 16 of the Ligue 1 season and the match away to Strasbourg, on Wednesday 5 December at 21:00 at the Stade de la Meinau, Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel spoke to the press at the traditional pre-match press conference:
SQUAD
Concerning Neymar, it’s not zany more serious than his previous injury. It’s almost identical. He won’t play against Strasbourg. Last time he was rested against Toulouse before playing against Liverpool. We will do the same thing this time, but the injury isn’t serious. He should train on Friday or Saturday. Lassana Diarra has a knee problem. He didn’t train on Monday and I don’t think he will be available on Wednesday.
STRASBOURG
We will prepare for this match very seriously because Strasbourg are a quality side. They defend very deep, very compact. They will probably play in a 5-4-1 formation with a lot of intensity. They are a very disciplined side and play on the counterattack. They also have a lot of confidence when playing at home. It’s a big challenge for us and we will need to produce a top level performance to get the win. But we are ready. It will be necessary to have some fresh players who will want to show that they are ready. There will be a few changes. I think everyone is ready to play a great match and start a new winning series.
MONTPELLIER POSTPONED AHEAD OF BELGRADE
Honestly, I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing. And that’s not the point. I’m a coach and safety and security is the most important thing. It’s a new situation and we have to deal with it. It’s a challenge. We need to plan well for the match in Belgrade. For now we are focused on Strasbourg and then we’ll see what happens after.
GIANLUIGI BUFFON AND ALPHONSE AREOLA
I am very happy with both. There is no hierarchy. I am very happy with the relationship as it is. They really push one another to be their best, they really have an exceptional attitude. I am very lucky to have both of them. It’s important to have Alphonse with us, and it’s very important that he stays. He has a lot of potential. It’s a great opportunity for him to keep improving, to take another step up in class now, making the most of Gigi’s experience and character. Both are fantastic.