This Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain take on Stuttgart in the 8th round of the Champions League. A decisive encounter for qualification, for which a draw would suffice for both PSG and the German club. But L’Equipe insists that Paris is not aiming for such a result.
“Within the club, we can assure you that the draw has not been a topic of conversation. As PSG are clear favourites for the match, and have every interest in obtaining the best possible ranking to soften the blow of the play-offs, the question of a draw may not come up until the last quarter of the match, perhaps.”
Of course, PSG, its coach and players are well aware of the standings and the possibilities. That will count for something, but there’s no question of simply aiming for a draw during the match.
Not least because it’s dangerous, it’s a way of ending up losing and having huge regrets. In any case, that’s not the mentality of an ambitious club. PSG must aim for victory, and try to move forward. Especially as the standings will be decisive in the draw for the play-offs. Above all, let the Parisians prepare themselves and put in their best performance.