‘Madrid defensive but effective’

Paris Saint-German Coach Laurent Blanc has labelled Champions League opponents Real Madrid as ‘defensive but effective.’

Blanc spoke to the media ahead of the game in Paris on Wednesday and suggested success for his side was as much down to self-belief as anything else.

“They’re a giant in Europe and we aren’t. But we have to convince ourselves that we can win, that we have the quality to do it,” he said, AS reports.

“We’re in our stadium. Last year we beat a European giant in Barcelona. We have to have ambition, respect for our adversary, but face them with confidence.

“It will be fantastic game but not a decisive one. The important thing is to play important games, ones that send you home if you lose.

“Madrid like to counter-attack. We have to maintain defensive positions when we have the ball. We like to have the ball, to make it difficult for the opponent to get into our half. I hope we win with our philosophy.

“I find Madrid to be defensive but effective. They’ve conceded only a few goals. I don’t know if you can compare them to last year’s team. Carlo Ancelotti’s philosophy paid off and so has Rafa Benitez’s.”

Tags Laurent Blanc Paris Saint-Germain
La Liga - Club News