Benoît Cauet warns PSG. For the former Parisian midfielder and Inter Milan, the quarter-final against Atalanta Bergamo is full of traps for Thomas Tuchel's men. For the ex-coach of Vannes, it is up to Neymar to take the match on his own.
What can this unprecedented quarter-final in August be played out?
BENOÎT CAUET. What will count is first the physical form of both teams. Paris did a different preparation but played two competitive matches which were two finals. So in terms of pace and pressure, it was very close to what they will experience in Lisbon. Atalanta from the moment they knew they were qualified for the Champions League, they started to prepare for this match. The last two days of the championship allowed them to do another job. Even if they took a slap against Inter in the last match (0-2), it will serve them. It will be complicated for Paris against an opponent who is playing the luck of his life while being aware of his qualities. It's 50/50, a really open match.
The pace displayed by Paris during the finals does not worry you?
Physically, they will be ready. They started off quietly with friendlies that weren't posters, but they ramped up. We have seen that against Juventus Turin, Lyon, which also had a truncated preparation, was able to hold out physically. I think it will be fine for Paris.
Will Kylian Mbappé have an influence if he can sit at least on the bench, three weeks after his sprained right ankle?
Even seated in a wheelchair, Mbappé must be on the ground (laughs). These are games for this type of player, he can demonstrate once again that he is stronger than everyone else and unlock a situation even if he is not 100%. Its mere presence is good for its partners. If he has to come home even diminished, he can make the difference. It also puts the opponent on the alert. He can change the face of the game. Having him on the bench is a trump card for PSG.
Can Bergamo's pressing interfere with Paris?
Bergamo is used to playing like this but in a match against PSG I think they will alternate between high pressure and one more median. They will not want to leave the whole field open to PSG. If they are going to press too high, they leave too much space behind them and Paris have very fast players who can dive and pose difficulties with their running speed. I don't see them doing all-terrain pressing for 90 minutes against such a team.
PSG Express
The essential newsletter for Parisian supportersI'm registering
Your email address is collected by Le Parisien to enable you to receive our news and commercial offers. Learn more
Without Verratti (injured), Di Maria (suspended) or Mbappé at kick-off, Neymar must become the custodian of the game?
He is a great player and we have seen in the last few games that he was able to take his responsibilities. In the two finals, he showed that he had found a very good level. He has the personality to influence this type of meeting.