Mamadou Sakho, a 35-year-old central defender now with Torpedo Koutaïssi (Georgia), trained at Paris Saint-Germain and played for Liverpool from 2013 to 2017. He is therefore well placed to comment on the 2024-2025 Champions League Round of 8 between the two teams (first leg on March 5 at the Parc des Princes and second leg on March 11 in England). In his opinion, expressed to L’Equipe, Anfield, the Reds’ stadium, could be a decisive factor.
Sakho “it’s something to remember.”
Is this young PSG team capable of handling the return leg at Anfield?
(silence) Anfield isn’t a game. It’s special, it’s an arena. You’ve got a Liverpool team there who, when they get on the pitch, are the equivalent of Popeye opening his tin of spinach (laughs). 90 minutes there is something to remember. Whatever the scenario in the return leg, the Parisians will remember it. They’ll realize just how special that stadium is.
But to answer your question, there are players like Marquinhos and Dembélé who have the shoulders to handle this type of encounter, this type of atmosphere, and to coach the less experienced players. Irresistible against Lille, PSG are ready for the fight against Liverpool.
Sakho: “The difference can come from anywhere!
Could that be the difference in this round of 16?
The difference can come from anywhere! It could come from an acceleration from Dembélé or Barcola. The same goes for Salah. At the weigh-in, this match is heavy against heavy (laughs). But yes, the difference can be made by the atmosphere in the stadium.
The 12th man is a cliché notion, but on this kind of match, I really believe in it. The Parc des Princes fans have a real role to play in the first leg. Because in the return, Anfield…
Of course, PSG have two very difficult games in front of them. Liverpool are certainly one of the best teams in Europe this season. On top of that, there’s a return leg at Anfield, which will be a big challenge almost regardless of the result in the first leg.
However, Paris also have a strong case for qualification. We shouldn’t forget that the Parisians are also a great team. And they could put in a performance to take the lead at the Parc des Princes, also a fine arena.
Everything can change very quickly in a match at this level, and every detail will count. We’ll need to give everything we’ve got, players and fans alike, to give ourselves the best possible chance of qualifying. All the while knowing that our opponents also have something to fight for.
