PSG’s reaction to a challenging Champions League Draw

On Thursday, the much-anticipated UEFA Champions League draw unfolded, placing PSG in what can only be described as a formidable group. PSG’s management is cautious but embraces their role as favorites.

August 31st marked the day when the Champions League anthem resonated within Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum as UEFA orchestrated the draw for the 2023/2024 Champions League edition.

This edition would be the last with 32 teams before the forthcoming expansion to 36 teams. This time around, France had only two representatives: PSG, positioned in pot 1, and Lens, positioned in pot 4. To everyone’s surprise, Lens secured a comparatively easier draw than PSG.

Assigned to Group F, Paris found themselves in what football enthusiasts might term the “group of death.” Their path crossed with Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, and a surprising addition – Newcastle.

Three top-tier teams that are sure to provide PSG with some stern competition. Factor in the vibrant atmospheres at venues like San Siro, Signal Iduna Park, and St James’ Park, and this Champions’ League group promises to be fiercely competitive.

In Monaco for the draw alongside Luis Campos, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi expressed his contentment with the draw while speaking to beIN Sports.

«It’s undeniably challenging, but it’s a level playing field for everyone. Yes, it’s demanding, but it’s precisely what we desire and thrive on – participating in high-stakes encounters. We should view this positively. It will necessitate our players and staff to be fully prepared, to work even harder. I sense that we’ve been moving in the right direction over the past three matches. We aspire to keep progressing. This serves as motivation for the entire team, but we must take it one step at a time», he conveyed.

Yohan Cabaye, a former PSG player who also had a stint with Newcastle, and now holds the position of sports coordinator for PSG’s youth academy, shared his thoughts on this distinctive draw with RMC Sport. «On a personal level, I am genuinely thrilled to return to Newcastle. I experienced some remarkable moments there. Revisiting the stadium, the fervor, and the supporters – witnessing their resurgence in the limelight is a source of joy. However, from a sports perspective, facing them in two matches will undeniably present formidable challenges. It is, after all, the Champions League. But I am genuinely excited»,” he conveyed initially.

He continued, «The three adversaries will undoubtedly will undoubtedly pose difficulties. Three distinct teams, each formidable in their own right. Three stadiums that exude their own unique atmosphere. This is the essence of the Champions League. Regrettably, we have found ourselves in what is arguably the most demanding group. Yet, being PSG, we have a responsibility to approach every match with the intent to secure victory. We should also remember that other teams hold a degree of apprehension when facing us». These upcoming fixtures promise to be captivating and fiercely contested.