On Wednesday, PSG play their toughest game of the latter half of 2022 with a trip to Lisbon to face Benfica. On the eve of the Champions League meeting, after two victories over Juventus Turin and in Haifa over Maccabi, Christophe Galtier, the Paris coach, attended a press conference in the bowels of the Luz Stadium.
Did you expect to find a very strong Benfica in this qualifying group?
Christopher Galtier. From start to season, yes. The Lisbon team is undefeated, very fun, well organized, with individual quality and great team strength. We are following this team and I am not surprised. Benfica can claim to be the favorite of this group.
What does it take to do more than usual to resist?
To beat this team, you will have to move forward with this ability to play under pressure. Benfica will take us. It puts an enormous pressure on the first reminders. We will have to play under pressure and when we have opportunities we will be more efficient than they have been lately.
Does Marco Verratti have 90 minutes of the Champions League in his legs?
Yes, he has 90 minutes on his legs. He’s been out a lot during matches. He is ready, he has no physical problem.
Is this the first big test of the season?
The first match against Juventus was an important test. But Benfica is undefeated, playing at home … The atmosphere will be unusual, the field is growing very difficult. But I have players who have experience and experience. Will we be able to play under pressure? I think we have the qualities that enable us to play and be dangerous.
Paris has a lot Portuguese in its workforce. What do they offer you?
On a daily basis, they bring us a lot of noise. They talk a lot! And most seriously, they are great professionals. Portuguese football produces great players. Season after season, they bring out talent. They have the know-how. They are very professional and respectful.
Do you tend to return offensively as at the start of the season to a two-point system with a supporting captain?
It was associated with the opponent, with the desire to thwart the release of the ball. But this has its downsides because it isolates our midfielders. It depends on the discount and what it offers in terms of the first increase.
