Paris Saint Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti says his expensively assembled team face a true test of where they stand alongside the powerhouses of Europe as they prepare to take on Porto in their key Champions League clash here on Wednesday. The 53-year-old former Juventus, AC Milan and Chelsea handler masterminded an opening 4-1 Group A victory over Dynamo Kiev in their home opener but believes their tie at the Dragon stadium against the 2004 champions will be a much greater challenge. "In our pool, Porto are the most experienced team in the Champions League. For us to play here, on this pitch is a really good test to see what our level of confidence really is," explained the former Italian international midfielder. "It's going to be difficult because Porto play an offensive game and to win here, we will need to be on form. But we are playing well and it is a good time to come here. If we win, we will have taken a huge step against the best team in the group". Porto trail PSG only on goal difference after goals from Lucho Gonzalez and Steven Defour propelled them to a 2-0 win over Dynamo Zagreb in the Croatian capital in their opener, and they come into the tie unbeaten in domestic action and level on 11 points with Benfica after five matches. Ancelotti, who belongs to a select group of men who have twice won the European Cup both as a player and a coach (with AC Milan), says he may deploy some Italian tactics in a bid to control the attacking potential of the Portuguese and strike on the break. "It is not a bad thing to play an Italian style. Italy have won several World Cups (four) and other teams play like that now," he said. "It signifies having a good defence and quality on the counter-attack. But saying that, the characteristics of my team are different. We want to play football. That is our objective."
GMT 08:04 2018 Sunday ,09 December
Leaders Dortmund edge Schalke in derby, Bayern winGMT 12:42 2018 Friday ,02 November
Brexit and the Premier League - English clubs have concernsGMT 06:51 2018 Sunday ,21 October
Man City, Liverpool remain unbeaten, Chelsea rescued by late goalGMT 10:33 2018 Tuesday ,16 October
Maltese club in talks with Usain Bolt, president confirmsGMT 14:56 2018 Monday ,08 October
Barca held again as Sevilla lead La LigaGMT 15:11 2018 Sunday ,07 October
Sacking Lopetegui would be crazy, says Real captain RamosGMT 12:11 2018 Thursday ,04 October
Liverpool sunk by late Lorenzo Insigne strikeGMT 10:58 2018 Wednesday ,03 October
More woe for Mourinho as Valencia hold Manchester UnitedMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor