Paris Saint-Germain will play FC Liverpool in an explosive double-header in the Champions League Round of 8. Mohamed Sissoko, a former player of both clubs, answered a call from Pia Clemens, Ici Paris Île-de-France, to give his opinion. For the former Parisian, the two matches promise to be incredible, and while he imagines a balanced match, it will remain a challenge for Paris, particularly with the return to Anfield.
Sissoko “It’s been a while since PSG have come up against a team as competitive as Liverpool”.
“It’s been a while since PSG have come up against a team as competitive as Liverpool. This will be a benchmark match for Paris Saint-Germain. The winner of the two will go through to the final. It’s going to be a man’s game, because it’s true that Liverpool aren’t going to play this game like amateurs. They’ll be there to show the world what a great team they are. We can expect a great soccer match.
Sissoko “My heart beats for both sides”.
The fact that I’m a Parisian, the fact that I had a lot of success at Liverpool… My heart beats on both sides. Now, it’s true that Liverpool, for me, are a great team, competitive. The return match at Anfield… [He laughs] You have to expect something huge. We’re going to be on fire, we’re going to be on fire.
Sissoko “Liverpool at home, it’s never easy to win”.
Given the way Paris Saint-Germain play soccer and the way they control their games, I’d like to say that, for me, it’s 50/50 from the outset. After that, Liverpool’s advantage is that the return leg is at Anfield. And Liverpool at home, it’s never easy to win. I know that Liverpool tend to invite us to matches like that. Now, I hope to be part of the first leg and the second leg. We’ll see!”
Not picking a favourite is also a way of not taking sides. Obviously, the match is tight on paper, and on recent form, PSG start with a slight advantage, but on form since the start of the season, it’s Liverpool who are treading water and will therefore be favourites. It’s going to be a great game, with a lot of certainties. Liverpool will come as no surprise, as we all know how the English play, with their intense pressing and high quality attacking play from Mohamed Salah.
PSG, on the other hand, are also very strong, but their chronic lack of success in the autumn has raised doubts. Especially as PSG have lost to Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid. It’s a match that will be important for the rest of the season.
If Liverpool give priority to the Premier League, PSG have no choice but to give their all and have no regrets. The first leg will set the tone, and Luis Enrique’s men will need to be both efficient and, as in recent weeks, irresistible in the game.
