Just before the final training session at the Stade de France ahead of tomorrow night's Coupe de France final against Rennes, Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel spoke to the media at the traditional pre-match press conference:
THE SQUAD
"It's always dangerous to play players coming back from injury. But tomorrow is a match to take risks because it's a final. A lot of players have been injured but are back with us, such as Neymar Jr, Edinson Cavani, Angel Di Maria, and also Marco Verratti and Thiago Silva who will undergo fitness tests in training later. My job is to choose the best team that's ready to play 90 or 120 minutes."
THE STAKES
"This final is a very important match for the club and for me too, personally. Our aim was to win the league and also this Cup. Like in Germany, in Spain or England, winning the Cup is an important trophy. We are purely focused on winning this match and this is not the time to judge our season. We are not here to talk about theoreticals, but to win the final tomorrow. We need to show that we can play as a team. We are in the final, in Paris, so we have to play well."
THE PRESSURE
"We are always under pressure when you play for Paris Saint-Germain. In the league, we have been consistent, disciplined and won Ligue 1 with a 19-point lead. Everyone thinks it's easy but the players have done an exceptional job since the start of the season and show amazing mental strength. Everyone expects us to win, but the biggest pressure comes from ourselves, the players and the coaching staff. We know that it will be a tough game, that the details will make all the difference. Toda we are calm and focused."
RENNES
"Rennes deserve to be here. They beat Lyon 3-2 in Lyon in the semi-final and also played very well against Real Betis and Arsenal in the Europa League. Also against us at the Parc des Princes, where they caused us lots of problems with their high pressing line. They like to have the possession, they are a good passing side and they are very attacking. Rennes are a quality side and very dangerous with their speed up front. Tomorrow, we will have to defend very tight and work very hard as a team to stop them playing their game."
KYLIAN MBAPPÉ
"I think the players evolve over the course of a season. Kylian was hardly ever injured, he was very consistent. He has grown up, his status has evolved as well and he is ready for all of this. There are several key players in the squad and Kylian is one of them."