Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi, new reunion.
After four years together spent between 2008 and 2012, with two Champions League won at FC Barcelona, the two men will face each other from a distance this Tuesday evening at the Parc des Princes.
At a press conference on Monday, the Catalan was notably asked about this reunion with the Argentinian, as well as the offensive quality of PSG.
What feeling do you have when it comes to playing against Messi again?
Pep Guardiola.
It happened to me when I was at Bayern.
I played against Barça.
I am ready to face this.
It's surprising to everyone.
But it happened and we have to accept it.
We could not have imagined it a few years ago… These things happen in football.
I am sure he will be happy in Paris.
That kind of player… We have been fortunate enough to benefit from this player for 16 years.
Messi speaks for himself.
We don't need to talk about it.
What he has done in his career is more than exceptional.
I hope he can play for the benefit of the game.
Will last year's semi-finals affect tomorrow's game?
It was last year.
With a fantastic team in front.
There is more Messi today.
Since PSG have been with Qatar, they have always had an incredible team.
But it's a new season, a new Champions League.
PSG have always had a great team, led by great managers.
We will try to play our game, regardless of their qualities.
Mbappé, Messi, Neymar… Everyone knows how dangerous they are.
How to deal with these dangers?
I don't know (laughs).
There is so much quality.
They are so strong.
It's too hard to stop them.
We will try to defend well.
They are exceptional.
They can combine.
You won both games last year.
How much confidence can you get from it?
Confidence does not come from last year.
It's a new challenge.
We know we played against them some time ago.
Football is all about ups and downs.
They played well in the first leg at home.
We finished better.
They are a fantastic team.
I am a big fan of Marquinhos.
Hakimi, Paredes, Herrera, Danilo, Verratti… The attackers too.
They can play however they want.
Talent cannot be stopped.
We have to do it as a team.
You can't target just one player.
We have to be compact, play together.
We will suffer but we must know how to go through this suffering.
The high level demands that.
You have to be able to suffer for 90 minutes.
