Pau-PSG: "We are prepared for the worst", announces Tuchel

This Wednesday, January 29, PSG moves to Pau (National) in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France (6.30 p.m.). Thomas Tuchel was in a press conference on Tuesday. The German coach notably mentions the rotation required for this 5th trip in a row.

Which players are absent for the trip to Pau?

THOMAS TUCHEL . Bernat and Marquinhos are injured. For Thiago Silva, it's too early. All others are available.

How do you approach this meeting in Pau?

It may be time to change to keep the intensity. This is the 5th away game, without a break. It is demanding. We play every three days. We will wait for training at 4:00 p.m. We will have a very strong team opposite, who won against Bordeaux. A decisive match is special. We have little time to think. We will decide this evening (Tuesday). We always try to win, whatever the competition. We have to stay in our rhythm. We are prepared for the worst, for a tough, close match, to fight against a Cup team. Maybe it won't be our best game, we won't be extraordinary. You have to play calm, quiet, serious.

Are Cavani and Kurzawa, announced at the start, in the group?

No, I have no news at all. Edinson will not be in the group. I still need to speak with Layvin.

Why do some players not go out when the risk of injury increases over games like in Lille on Sunday?

It was not possible during the last match in Lille. I already explained that it would take 5 or 6 changes per game. It might help. There are 8 players on the field who are staying today.

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So it's time for rotation?

Yes, if we want to keep intensity. We were the first to win in Lille. We saw the pitch of Pau against Bordeaux. We have to adapt. Neymar and Mbappé can play on a field like that. But after Lille, it may be too much. There has been a lot of stress in the last few games. You always have to win, so you have to think. We will decide after training.

How do you keep the group under pressure? Do you feel fear in your players of getting hurt?

We will not find teams without injuries who play as much as we do in January and February. You have to protect the players. Then there is the Copa, the Euro, the Olympic Games, the Club World Cup ... We can always play. We do everything to minimize the risks.

What is the main contribution of Pablo Sarabia?

It's his mentality. He's super pro. It gives a lot of intensity with or without the ball. He runs aggressive races behind the defense. It's the best thing it brings. He has a last touch in the very strong surface. He scores a lot with a touch of the ball. It's a good mix with him. He is humble.

Are you satisfied with your bench this season, more provided than last year?

Yes of course. We need each player to succeed and afterwards, these are difficult choices for me. It's hard for them, on the bench, but it's necessary if we want to keep the possibility of winning. This is important for the pressure on the competition, for the locker room, the state of mind.

Will Sergio Rico start this Wednesday?

I think but I am not sure. I need to speak with the two goalies and the goalkeeper coach.