‘We have to step up and make steps forward’: PSG boss Thomas Tuchel demands his superstars to live up to tag as Champions League favourites
- Thomas Tuchel says PSG stars need to step up quickly to live up to favourites tag
- The PSG boss believes they are still behind established and ‘traditional’ clubs
- Ligue 1’s reigning champions are yet to reach the Champions League semi-finals
- PSG will welcome Liverpool to the Parc des Princes for their clash on Wednesday
Thomas Tuchel has demanded Paris Saint-Germain’s superstars ‘step up quickly’ in order to live up to their tag of Champions League favourites.
PSG are one of the richest clubs in the world and have arguably the most exciting – not to mention most expensive – forward line in the game with Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Edison Cavani.
They have yet to reach the Champions League semi-finals but Tuchel, the head coach, believes they are still behind established and ‘traditional’ clubs such as Liverpool.
Thomas Tuchel says his stars need to step up quickly to live up to tournament favourites tag
Tuchel said: ‘We have to step up and make steps forward. We have to grow in this competition in the critical moments. We have to step up to the individual challenges and ask how we support each other. I am confident we have the weapons and the talent.
‘I am not surprised by Liverpool’s performance. Jurgen (Klopp) has been there three years, lost only one key player in (Philippe) Coutinho and spent an awful lot of money to get this machine on the pitch every week. So now we will see if we can make these big, big steps.’
An argument about why PSG fall short in Europe is down to the lack of competition in France but Tuchel said: ‘Sometimes it seems hard to develop. But we have no fear. My team has shown a lot of winning mentality.’
Daniel Sturridge (left) scored the first goal in the 3-2 win over PSG at Anfield in September
Kylian Mbappe (right) looks dejected after Liverpool’s win at Anfield earlier this season
Tuchel also confirmed Neymar and Mbappe are fit to face Liverpool on Wednesday evening.
Neymar was forced off with a groin injury after just eight minutes of Brazil’s 1-0 victory over Cameroon in Milton Keynes during the international break, while Mbappe sustained a shoulder injury after an awkward landing during France’s 1-0 win over Uruguay in Paris.
But Tuchel revealed both will be available and said: ‘Neymar is 100 per cent fit, as is Mbappe, and they will be in the line-up tomorrow.’
Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar trained on Tuesday afternoon ahead of Liverpool clash
PSG forward Mbappe also trained on Tuesday after picking up an injury last week
Tuchel’s side were put through their paces as they prepared for the Group C encounter against the Premier League outfit at the Parc des Princes.
PSG are currently one point behind joint-leaders Napoli and the Reds in the group in third place with two matches remaining.
The Ligue 1 side will face a shock elimination should they lose to Liverpool and Napoli beat Red Star Belgrade.