Christian Wörns was the first German player to wear the PSG jersey during the 1998-1999 season. Now coach of the German U18 team, the former international defender (66 selections) believes that Paris should qualify, provided they show much more enterprising than the first leg (2-1 defeat).
What kind of match do you expect between PSG and Dortmund on Wednesday?
CHRISTIAN WÖRNS. I think we will see another face of PSG compared to the first round. In Dortmund, I did not see a Parisian team really concerned by the stake and I had the impression that certain players simply played for the gallery. With such an attitude, Paris will have no chance of passing this round. But I think we will see a more satisfactory face of PSG.
This return match will take place behind closed doors. So is this a big advantage for Dortmund?
Even if the authorities must give priority to people's health, it is very unfortunate for football as a whole. To have no spectators for such a poster is frankly difficult to imagine. Result: Dortmund is even more likely to qualify, that is obvious. Without any support, somewhere, the PSG sanctioned.
Do you think that Neymar and Kylian Mbappé have the capacity to qualify the PSG on their own?
PSG Express
The essential newsletter for Parisian supportersI'm registering
Your email address is collected by Le Parisien to allow you to receive our news and commercial offers. Find out more
These two players have incredible potential and the means to turn the situation of PSG in his favor. But to defeat Dortmund, it is imperative that they both show a completely different attitude than in the first round. Simply playing football well will not be enough, given that Borussia is a very strong team. They will have to have a different mentality, especially when losing the ball.
The defense of the PSG shows signs of feverishness for several weeks. Do you share this point of view?
Yes, but defending begins in front, this sector does not only concern defenders. On the outward journey, I found that it was Angel Di Maria who worked best defensively, he ran a lot and he did not hesitate to make the necessary efforts. But in terms of emotion and intensity, each individuality will have to show more to hope to qualify.
What do you think of Thiago Silva?
He remains a world class defender, he is the boss of Parisian defense with his presence. His absence would be good news for Borussia.
Thilo Kehrer has been unavailable for several months this season and faces Dortmund, he will replace Thomas Meunier, suspended. How do you judge his level of play?
It is true that he was injured for a long time, but this suspension is a great opportunity for him to seize his chance. It will be the center of attention, especially in Germany. I find that he is a complete player, at the same time rough in duels and interesting in his raises thanks to his technical qualities, but he needs rhythm before he can claim to find his best level.
It's hard to imagine Dortmund not scoring…
Absolutely, knowing that the players of Lucien Favre have an extraordinary offensive potential with notably Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland. Both teams have formidable offensive weapons. This is why I expect an attractive match with twists and turns.
Which team will qualify?
In my eyes, Paris is slightly favorite, because I see this team showing something other than Dortmund. In the end, it looks balanced, but I have the feeling that PSG will have the last word.
/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/prisa/AOBMHOXPJJDWVDCPFI74HQWVNE)
