On this Monday the day before the match, the Barcelona and PSG press conferences will follow one another.
At midday, it was first the Catalan camp which launched the round of 16 first leg scheduled for Tuesday (9 p.m.) at Camp Nou.
Jordi Alba, the left-back and Ronald Koeman, the coach, were asked about the hot news around the first reunion between the two teams since the comeback of 2017.
In sporting terms, Barça has formalized the absence of Ronald Araujo, the Uruguayan central defender, victim of a sprained left ankle against Betis Sevilla (3-2), eight days ago.
Koeman left a doubt about Gerard Pique.
Injured to the ligaments of the right knee on November 21, the central defender has returned to training for a few days.
“He has good physical feelings,” explained his trainer.
We will talk about it and I will decide tomorrow morning
(Editor's note: this Tuesday)
.
"
He nevertheless underlined that both Samuel Umtiti and Clément Lenglet were “ready”.
“It's true that they sometimes make mistakes, but that's part of football.
I have no doubts about them, they know how to defend against a team like Paris.
The absence of Neymar obviously made a lot of talk.
Ronald Koeman first stressed that the referees had to “protect” this type of player, like him or Messi and Ronaldo.
"You can never know how a team that lacks a player like Neymar will react," he added while stressing that he was particularly wary of Mbappé's speed.
"Paris is a great rival"
“But this is not a Messi-Mbappé duel, he warned.
No, it's a duel between two teams that Leo Messi will play on one side.
He's the best player in the world and we'll need him at his best to advance to the next round, but it's the same for Paris with Mbappé.
"Jordi Alba underlined:" I will not lie to you, personally, it is better that players like Neymar do not play in the opposing team, it is an important loss for them like that of Di Maria who brings a lot defensively and offensively.
But PSG have quality players and those who replace them will have the same or a similar level.
It will be a close confrontation which will be played on small details.
"
Does the memory of the 2017 clash make this eighth go special?
Jordi Alba doesn't think so.
“It's an important game, not special.
Paris is a great rival and it is true that we made a formidable comeback against them.
But it's different, we won't have our audience to support us.
The future of Lionel Messi was also mentioned.
Jordi Alba has ensured that his partner is 100% focused with Barcelona.
"What other players or other clubs say, we don't pay attention," he said.
Leo will have the last word.
"
Ronaldo Koeman dismissed the debate: “I don't know if they
(Editor's note: the Parisians)
had planned to talk a lot about him, but my goal is to prepare the team as well as possible for an important meeting.
Messi is a Barca player and I have high hopes that he will continue to be a Barca player.
"