Speaking at a press conference earlier today, PSG veteran midfielder Danilo Pereira praised Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal as a ‘magnificent’ talent.
PSG host Barcelona in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals tomorrow at Parc des Princes.
Leading up to the game, Pereira spoke highly of the Catalans’ breakout star of the season, Yamal, but insisted that the Parisian giants will not focus on just one player in tomorrow’s encounter.
“Lamine Yamal is magnificent and we know the ability he has, but we won’t focus on one player,” said Pereira.
“Our plan is to have the ball and take the ball away from Barça. That’s the main weapon we have. We won’t focus on one player,” he added.
On what the game against Barcelona means for him and the PSG players, given the history between the two teams, Danilo said:
There are a lot of transfers and games that we have played against each other. It’s a special match because both clubs are world-class. Nobody wants to miss this game. We’re going for the win to make our fans proud.”
“The group is calm. We know it’s a difficult match and we want to win to eliminate a great team. We’re calm and that’s how we’ll be able to do great things. If we are like this, we are closer to victory,” he added.
Further discussing the pressure heading into the high-profile clash tomorrow, Pereira remarked: “The pressure is a bit different, but the coach also transmits calm and tranquillity to us. We only think about the game.”
There was also praise for manager Luis Enrique with Pereira crediting the ex-Barcelona coach for the good atmosphere in the PSG locker room.
“Luis Enrique gives opportunities to everyone and the players see that and we are more motivated. You can see it in training and in matches. If things aren’t going well we lift our heads up,” he said.
When asked if he thought Barcelona are the favourites going into Wednesday’s match, the midfielder replied:
“I think there are no favourites in the Champions League quarter-finals. Barça and PSG are world-class teams. Barça have five Champions League titles and we could say they are the favourites, but in this tie it doesn’t count. We are ready to show that we can win.”
