Doha: Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc insists his players are in a position to go far and deliver in the Champions League.
The Ligue 1 big spenders have struggled to make a significant impact in Europe’s elite club competition in recent seasons, but Blanc hopes all that will be behind them when they commence the second half of the season.
“A season is judged on every trophy there is to win. In France last year we had a perfect season but quite rightly the expectation for a club of our size is to have a big performance in the Champions League,” Blanc said at yesterday’s press conference on the eve of the friendly against Inter.
Blanc said he thinks his side are ready to reach at least the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in more than 20 years.
“A season is judged on every trophy there is to win.
“In France last year we had a perfect season but quite rightly the expectation for a club of our size is to have a big performance in the Champions League. “To be good in the Champions League, you have to be good in the league. It’s easy to say we need to qualify for the semi-finals, but harder to achieve.
“I believe my players are ready to reach that goal this year, however.”
Winning the Champions league will not be easy insisted the Frenchman.
“We are very happy to represent the club but we are here. People are aware of the ambition of PSG at national and European level. But winning the Champions League is not easy.”
PSG last reached the semi-finals in 1994/95, inspired by the tournament’s top scorer that season, George Weah. They were eventually beaten by AC Milan.
The Parisians have reached the last eight of the tournament in the preceding three seasons.
Blanc added that some players might leave during January but refused to speculate.
“I know of some interest in some of my players but there is nobody out of contract in January. There are some who might leave, you know the names. We will discuss with them at that time. The winter transfer window for me is not a good thing and I don’t think much will happen.”
The Peninsula
