Ask PSG To Play Attacking Against Real Madrid, Neymar: We Have To Be Aggressors If We Want To Qualify
JAKARTA - Paris Saint Germain must play an attacking game against Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday, but don't neglect defense, said Neymar.
PSG bagged a 1-0 aggregate advantage thanks to the first leg in Paris but the Brazil striker believes his side should play upfront rather than try to defend their narrow advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"We have to act from the start and be the aggressors if we want to qualify at Madrid", Neymar said at a press conference on Tuesday as quoted by Antara from Reuters.
"We have the advantage but in a game like this, there are no favorites. We have to attack them, play to win. We have to play better than the first leg in Paris."
After being sidelined for almost three months with an ankle injury in November, Neymar is finally feeling fit to help his team.
"My recovery took longer than expected but I'm fine now. I'm ready physically and mentally", he said.
"I'll be there on Wednesday because this is the kind of game that great players want to play. That's why I've been very prepared for it, especially on a mental side."
Mauricio Pochettino praised how Neymar prepared for the game and believes he can make a difference.
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"Neymar is very focused on the game", said the manager. "He signed for PSG from Barcelona to win the Champions League. Let him show his talent tomorrow. This is the perfect stage for him to shine."
Striker Kylian Mbappe trained with his teammates on Tuesday after being injured in training on Monday and Pochettino indicated he was not worried about the Frenchman's condition.
"Mbappe is good. A bit scary the tackle he received in training. But he's fine... Basically, he will play. There are 24 hours to go, but everything indicates yes."