‘Barca favourites against PSG’

Former Paris Saint-Germain Coach Luis Fernandez believes Barcelona are favourites for the Champions League meeting between the sides.

Fernandez, who sat on the PSG bench in two spells told AS the potential absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic will make the difference, with the former Barca striker struggling with a foot injury.

“Barca are the favourites, without a doubt. Things aren’t so good at PSG. They miss Ibrahimovic,” Fernandez said.

“Nobody is able to score against Barca. They reinforced very well this summer. Many criticised the purchase of [Jeremy] Mathieu, for example, but Barca paid for a player who would immediately give good performances.

“Everybody hopes Ibra returns soon, the sooner the better. He brings a lot of character and quality to the team. PSG aren’t the same without him.”

Fernandez added he watched Barca against Granada and one player in particular caught his eye.

“Xavi, what a player! My goodness, what a footballer! He and [Andres] Iniesta are magic, a delight for teammates and fans and a pain for rivals,” he continued.

“They are irreplaceable and nobody can or should criticise. This is a team with a lot of quality and the rotations of Luis Enrique are very intelligent, so both of them are always refreshed and motivated.”

PSG host Barca on Tuesday in the second round of group stages fixtures, while APOEL host Ajax in Group F’s other game.

Tags Luis Fernandez Paris Saint-Germain
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