It will therefore be necessary to speak German to speak directly to the referee in his mother tongue, during PSG-Manchester City in the semi-final first leg of the Champions League on Wednesday April 28 at the Parc des Princes.
However, Felix Brych, 45, appointed by UEFA for this meeting, is not a complete stranger for some of the Parisian players.
The German has indeed officiated four times in matches involving PSG.
It was he who was at the whistle when the Parisians won 4-1 against Olympiakos in Piraeus, in 2013. It was again he who supervised the debates when the capital team won. 2-1 ahead of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2016.
On the other hand, the last two experiences with the German referee bring back less good memories.
This is the 2-2 draw against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium in 2016, in which Mr Brych in particular whistled a penalty against Grzegorz Krychowiak.
Finally, Mr. Brych led the round of 16 return PSG - Real Madrid, 1-2 in 2018, and had notably expelled Marco Verratti following a second yellow card for dispute.
PSG-Manchester City: Pochettino - Guardiola, so far and so close
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- The Parisian |
PSG (@le_Parisien_PSG) April 26, 2021
More than 100 international matches to his credit
Mr Brych also led the round of 16 second leg won by Manchester City 2-1 against Real Madrid last season.
In five total matches with Mr. Brych, the Sky Blues have won twice and lost three times.
The German is considered one of the most experienced referees around with more than 100 international matches to his name.
He thus led the final of the Champions League between Juventus de Turin and Real Madrid (1-4) in 2018.