Champions League: Pochettino predicts tough semi-final as Guardiola fears PSG’s ‘weapons

PARIS Saint-Germain and Manchester City are evenly matched as they go head to head in the second UEFA Champions League semi-final, according to both sides’ managers.

The two clubs funded by Middle East oil money play in Paris on Wednesday night in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino said ahead of the match that he is ready for a difficult clash.

“Both sides have unbelievable players to try to control for 90 minutes,” the Argentinian said.

“It will be tough – very competitive. City are one of the greatest teams in the world, with the best coach and of course it’s going to be tougher than [against Bayern Munich], but we’ll see: we don’t know.”

The last time Pochettino met Manchester City and their manager Pep Guardiola in the Champions League, he led Tottenham Hotspur to advance past the Citizens on the away goals rule.

He hopes to achieve the same this time, although he insists that the tie is between the two sides, not between himself and Guardiola.

“What’s most important is the 180 minutes to decide who gets to the final we have to be the better side,” Pochettino added.

Guardiola, on his part, admitted that Manchester City must take the game to PSG in order to stand a chance.

“Paris are used to playing teams who defend 90 minutes and they find a way,” he told uefa com.

“That is not the best way to defend against the team who have everything.”

PSG’s front three of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria have been in great form in the Champions League this season, and Guardiola is wary of the impact they can make.

He added: “I know the weapons they have up front, but we’re in the Champions League semi-finals, what can you expect? I will not play 90 minutes thinking how good this player is, just how to beat them.

“I learned from Johann Cruyff, you have to enjoy the game, enjoy the responsibility. Top players enjoy situations because they enjoy responsibility, that’s why the greatest players win this competition.”

PSG are aiming to reach their second straight final of the competition, while Guardiola is hoping to lead City to their first-ever Champions League final.