Manchester City need a perfect match to beat PSG, says Enzo Maresca
PSG travel to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, 14 October, at 21:00 for the second matchday of the Champions League league phase. City coach Enzo Maresca says his side will need a flawless display against what he calls the best team in Europe right now.
A demanding test for City
Manchester City host Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, 14 October, with kick-off at 21:00 in the second matchday of the Champions League league phase. City coach Enzo Maresca told a press conference on Tuesday, 13 October, that his side will need a perfect performance to beat a PSG team he called the best in Europe at present. He pointed to Paris having won the last two Champions League titles as a sign of their strength. Maresca also said he does not know exactly how close City are to that level, but insisted his team is good and can win if it gives its best. The match will be refereed by Sven Jablonski of Germany, who has never officiated a PSG game.
Form heading into the match
City have won every game under Maresca apart from the Community Shield, which they lost 3-0 to Arsenal in mid-August. Their latest result was a 3-0 win at Anfield on Sunday, 11 October, and their run stands at eight wins from eight matches. Erling Haaland remains a constant threat in front of goal, Rayan Cherki has been scoring and is described as taking his game to a new level, and Enzo Fernandez already looks like the leader of the midfield. PSG opened their campaign with a 6-1 win over Slovan Bratislava, then beat Le Mans 3-1 in Ligue 1 on Saturday, 10 October, with goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Maghnes Akliouche. Paris's start to the season is described as sluggish, and Luis Enrique's side is not yet firing on all cylinders.
- PSG beat Le Mans 3-1 in Ligue 1
- Manchester City beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield
- Maresca says City need a perfect match
- Kick-off at the Etihad Stadium
Probable line-ups and selection
The probable City line-up has Gianluigi Donnarumma, an old acquaintance of PSG supporters, in goal, with Rúben Dias captaining a back line completed by Nunes, Guéhi and Gvardiol (or O'Reilly). Haaland is expected to lead the attack alongside Semenyo, Cherki and Doku, with Anderson and Fernandez in midfield. For PSG, the probable starters are Safonov in goal, Hakimi, Marquinhos (captain), Pacho and Mendes in defence, Neves, Vitinha and Ruiz in midfield, and Doué, Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia in attack. Luis Enrique has all his attackers in good athletic shape and must choose among experienced players. These are probable line-ups, not confirmed ones.
Off-pitch context
Both Maresca and Rúben Dias were asked about a presumed financial misconduct case facing the club. Maresca said he is completely calm about it and worries mainly about tactics and daily training, while Dias said the squad trusts the club and is focused on football. Dias added that the group wants to win, which is the only thing that matters to them. Coverage differs on the status of the case: one outlet describes the club as found guilty of serious financial breaches, while others refer only to presumed misconduct.
