Champions League
Nagelsmann’s plan against PSG: “Only works collectively”
Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann speaks to journalists before the game against Paris Saint-Germain. photo
© Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
If Bayern want to survive in the Prinzenpark, they have to stop the superstars Messi and Mbappé. Coach Nagelsmann knows how to do it – and yet he suspects: “It doesn’t last more than 90 minutes.”
Julian Nagelsmann has a plan how FC Bayern Munich can stop Lionel Messi and possibly also Kylian Mbappé, who has recovered from a muscle injury on time. At least as often as possible.
“It’s never more than 90 minutes. And it’s only possible collectively,” said the coach of the German record champion before the spectacular Champions League duel between Munich and Paris Saint-Germain in the evening in the Prinzenpark.
“You have to regulate it as a whole team,” Nagelsmann believes, adding specifically to world champion Messi (35). “It’s about preventing a lot of balls that could reach him. And the form on the day is also very important.”
Great respect for world champion Messi
Messi was absent from PSG recently, but is available again in time for the round of 16 first leg. Bayern have a lot of respect for the Argentinian world champion. “He’s the player who has shaped the world of football over the past 15 years,” said sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.
In the case of World Cup top scorer Mbappé (24), who was supposed to be out after a thigh injury, it is still unclear if and when he will play against Bayern. Nagelsmann adjusts to different scenarios. “I assume that he can play from the start. But I also assume that he might come in in the 60th minute to start counterattacks when we’re maybe a bit tired,” said the coach .
Nagelsmann: Don’t just focus on the big names
“Our job will be to design the game when he comes in so that we have very good control against a player who has exceptional quality with exceptional pace.” Two years ago, Mbappé scored twice in a successful quarter-final duel with Bayern, the match winner for Paris in the 3-2 first leg in Munich.
Nagelsmann does not want to align the entire Munich defensive concept solely with Messi, Mbappé or the Brazilian Neymar. “You mustn’t make the mistake of only focusing on the really big names in this team,” warned the coach. PSG is too well staffed for that.
The expected lineups:
Paris Saint-Germain: Donnarumma – Hakimi, Marquinhos, Sergio Ramos, Nuno Mendes – Verratti, Danilo Pereira, Vitinha – Neymar – Messi, Mbappe
Bayern Munich: Summer – Joao Cancelo, Upamecano, de Ligt, Davies – Kimmich, Goretzka – Müller, Musiala, Coman – Choupo-MotingReferee: Oliver (England)