Thomas Tuchel backs Neymar to shine for PSG in Champions League quarter-final against Atalanta

Paris Saint-German manager Thomas Tuchel is expecting star man Neymar to put in a big performance in their Champions League quarter-final against Atalanta.

Tuchel’s side take on the free-scoring Italian side on Wednesday night looking to reach the Champions League last-four for the first time ever.

The Ligue 1 champions will be without key forward Kylian Mbappe, who has been struggling with an ankle injury and is likely to play his part from the substitutes’ bench. 

 Tuchel (above)’s side take on Atalanta in the Champions League quarter-final in Lisbon

But Tuchel claims that the potential loss of Mbappe will be overshadowed by fellow attacker Neymar stepping up to the plate.

The German boss told his pre-match news conference: ‘I have the impression there’s always a lot of pressure on Neymar. You can’t imagine the pressure that’s on Ney. But he is a lad who likes that, who’s used to playing with that pressure.

‘We’re glad he has the possibility of finishing the match with Kylian – they like playing together a lot.

‘He [Neymar] likes the big matches and he likes decisive matches. He’s a player you can trust in the big matches.

Neymar (right) will need to step up as Kylian Mbappe (left) is struggling with an ankle injury

‘I’m absolutely convinced he will put on a big performance and that he holds the keys for us, he has the mentality for situations like this.’

The French side face a difficult test in Atalanta on Wendesday night, with the Bergamo club finishing at Serie A’s top scorers with 98 goals. 

Though PSG have their own threats, which include Mbappe and Neymar, who fired the Parisian club to French Cup and League Cup victories in July.

Tuchel is wary of the threat posed by Atalanta – who scored 98 goals in Serie A last season

Tuchel believes this cup-winning mentality will serve PSG well in the Atalanta game. 

He added: ‘It is hard to play against Atalanta. It is a huge challenge but there are always possibilities.’ 

‘It will be a tactical game, but also a mental game. Our latest training sessions were a good mix of concentration and team spirit. 

Tuchel (left) will be hoping that Neymar (right) will be able to step up in Mbappe’s absence

We suffer together, but we also fight and play together. We all have the feeling we’ve prepared in the best fashion. For us it was really important to win the two finals.

‘It wasn’t easy to restart after a four-month pause and then four weeks’ preparation to play two finals as the big favourites. 

‘That was a big challenge mentally for the players but to win was the best preparation for this tournament.’