Champions League 'a big objective' for PSG, says boss Unai Emery
Monday 11 September 2017 23:11, UK
PSG head coach Unai Emery has admitted there is a great level of pressure on his side to achieve in this year's Champions League, ahead of their opening group game against Celtic on Tuesday night.
The French side have failed to make their mark in Europe since they were bought by Qatari Sports Investment in 2011, but Emery understands that with the high-profile arrivals of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Dani Alves the expectations are greater than ever on his side to progress to the latter stages of the tournament.
He said: "I know it is a big objective for the club, but we are doing and feeling well, the players are doing well but I know it will be difficult. The important thing is to see progress, step by step.
"I know I have a lot of responsibility because I have a lot of good players at my disposal and there are some good teams in the Champions League, and Celtic is one of them.
"We will need to be careful because at home, Celtic put in a lot of intensity."
"I don't know [if PSG are favourites for the Champions League], but with the players and quality we have we should get close this year.
PSG will be hoping Celtic's poor form in Europe continues after they finished bottom of their group and without a win in last year's campaign, but the PSG boss has warned his players of the electric atmosphere at Celtic Park.
"Preparation is everything. We have prepared well all week but we must give Celtic the respect they deserve.
"We are aiming to go far. The atmosphere is incredible and they try to share the pressure together. It will be difficult but we are ready."
He said: "It is a great atmosphere here. All the players love to play in this type of game, but the players are used to that level and that type of atmosphere. It will be difficult to overcome, but we must try."
