A certain rumble against FC Bayern in the Champions League round of 16 draw was all too understandable. As a dubious reward for the flawless group stage, the record German champions were drawn with Paris Saint-Germain, who are arguably the strongest runners-up. Hasan Salihamidzic faces the duel with respect but without fear.
On February 14 and March 8 there will be a new edition of the 2020 final, the duel is slowly but surely becoming a modern classic. In 2017 they met in the group stage, in 2021 PSG took revenge in the quarterfinals for the final lost in Lisbon. Internationally, the two clubs are considered examples of opposing models: Bayern, as a classic football club, meets the sheikh’s club with sometimes questionable financing methods. “They’re two completely different clubs,” said Salihamidzic sports image.
“Very attractive, exciting and exciting duels”
“What everyone can expect: It will be very attractive, exciting and exciting duels,” the Munich sports director is convinced. Watching the World Cup, some Bayern fans may have felt a little uneasy, as no other club’s players have shaped the tournament as much as PSG’s stars. Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi alone have scored around 15 goals, which is as much as all 18 Bundesliga clubs combined. Neymar has also shown strong performances for Brazil when he has been able to contribute.
“Trust the quality and character of our boys!”
“PSG have these three outstanding players, but I have great faith in the quality and character of our boys!” Salihamidzic said optimistically. It’s not that FC Bayern have nothing to oppose the star group from Paris. “When I let Sane, Mane, Musiala, Gnabry, Coman, Choupo-Moting or Müller melt in my mouth, I can’t wait to see these duels,” emphasizes ‘Brazzo’. Whether summer shopping Sadio Mane vs PSG can be there again is still open. It is clear that Manuel Neuer misses duels. As a goalkeeper, the captain would have been especially valuable against the concentrated attacking power of Mbappe, Messi and Neymar. For this Salihamidzic is looking for a replacement, as he himself underlines.