Matuidi on Messi and Barça: PSG are not afraid of anyone

Matuidi on Messi and Barça: PSG are not afraid of anyone

Matuidi on Messi and Barça: PSG are not afraid of anyone
Matuidi on Messi and Barça: PSG are not afraid of anyone | sport

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi says the French champions are not afraid of the threat of Lionel Messi. 

Messi has been in great form since Barca’s first leg 4-0 defeat to PSG, most recently inspiring a 5-0 win against Celta Vigo at the weekend. 

However, he will have to go some to help his side become the first team in Champions League history to turn around a four-goal deficit on Wednesday. 

“We say we are not afraid of anyone,” Matuidi said in his pregame press conference at Camp Nou.  

“Messi is a great player, like most Barça players, they are a good team, so we have respect for this team, they have been capable of great things in the last years. 

“But we focus on our work, we have demonstrated lots of good things away from home and keen to continue that way.”

Barça coach Luis Enrique said Barça were capable of scoring six goals against the French champions, a comment which Matuidi did not interpret as disrespectful.  

“No,” he said when asked if if he though the Barça boss’ comment lacked respect, before quickly moving on. 

“We’re focused on what we can do, what we’re capable of. We play away from home, at a difficult ground, against a great team, but we are capable of really good things. 

“As I said, we respect Barça coaches and players, but also have good players at PSG and we are capable of getting a good result. We will play our way, with our philosophy and look for a good result.”