PSG’s Blanc promises possession football against Barcelona

PARIS, France (AFP) — Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc says there is no question of his side giving up their footballing philosophy in today’s Champions League Group F encounter with Barcelona.

Blanc’s team won many plaudits for their attractive brand of possession football last season as they romped to the Ligue 1 title and reached the Champions League quarter-finals for the second season running, losing on away goals to Chelsea.

But putting the emphasis on keeping possession means they will be taking on Barcelona — the masters at the art of keeping the ball — at their own game, and the PSG coach believes that is a risk worth taking.

“In my view we need to prepare to play the way the players are used to playing. If we start doing things that we are not used to, that is when we will put ourselves in danger,” said Blanc at a press conference on the eve of the match at the Parc des Princes.

A style of football that produced spectacular results at times last season has not prevented Paris from enduring a sluggish start to this campaign.

The French champions are yet to lose, but three draws in their last four Ligue 1 games have left them five points behind leaders Marseille, while a 1-1 draw at Ajax two weeks ago means there is added pressure on them to get a result today.

But their way of playing is one that the former France defender has advocated since spending a season on the books at the Camp Nou in 1996-97 alongside the likes of former coach Pep Guardiola and current Barca coach Luis Enrique, and now Blanc is ready to take them on at their own game.

“Barcelona have always been one of my favourite teams, above all for their style of play,” he said. “I know some people like them and others don’t, but they always play good football and score goals.”

CSKA Moscow to host Bayern in empty stadium

BERLIN, Germany (AFP) — Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola bemoaned the fact his team will play CSKA Moscow behind closed doors in the Champions League today.

The Russian side have been punished by governing body UEFA after fan unrest during their group stage match against Czech club Viktoria Plzen last season and only a sparse number of people will be inside the Khimki Arena for the second match of this season in European club football’s showpiece event.

“I’ve never experienced it and I really hope it’s the last time,” Guardiola said of playing before an empty stadium.

“We will have to adapt to the situation, but it’s a little strange all the same.”

Guardiola added that five-time former European champions Bayern had a “big, big chance to take a further step forward” after their opening 1-0 victory over Manchester City in Group E.

Former City manager Mancini says Roma could spring UCL surprise

MILAN, Italy (AFP) — Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes AS Roma can pull off a Champions League shock today, if they play to their full potential against the English champions at the Etihad Stadium.

Roma’s 5-1 rout of CSKA Moscow in their Group E opener, coupled with City’s defeat to Bayern Munich, has left Manuel Pellegrini’s side desperately needing three points.

Mancini is currently without a club having departed Galatasaray at the end of last season — and that has given the former City boss time to keep a close eye on football in England and Italy.

“The key (for Roma) is to counter quickly and seize any chances City might offer. Roma need to be vigilant in defence, keep focus for the full 90 minutes and be clinical in attack,” Mancini told yesterday’s edition of sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport.

“A full-strength Roma can beat City, but the absences of (Daniele) De Rossi, (Leandro) Castan and (Davide) Astori could make them more vulnerable.”

Roma will likely be without Italy midfielder De Rossi due to a torn calf muscle, while Astori and Castan are still recovering from injury.

Exciting Roma forward Juan Iturbe, meanwhile, has been named in Rudi Garcia’s squad for today’s game, suggesting he has recovered from a thigh knock and will play a part at some stage.

Manchester was the scene of one of Roma’s greatest humiliations — a 7-1 demolition by City’s cross-town rivals Manchester United in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2007.

However Roma are currently undefeated in Serie A after five games and are jostling with champions Juventus for domestic supremacy.

Defeat for City, meanwhile, would leave Pellegrini’s side in the Group E doldrums.

Champions League matches today

Group E

CSKA Moscow vs Bayern Munich

Manchester City vs AS Roma

Group F

APOEL Nicosia vs Ajax

Paris Saint Germain vs Barcelona

Group G

Schalke 04 vs Maribor

Sporting CP vs Chelsea

Group H

BATE Borisov vs Athletic Bilbao

Shaktar Donetsk vs FC Porto

(Home teams named first)