Exclusive: Emmanuel Petit believes Real Sociedad can exploit PSG's weakness in the Champions League
The Champions League returns this week with the start of the last 16 ties. Real Madrid picked up victory in the first leg of their match against RB Leipzig on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, it will be the turn of Real Sociedad, who undoubtedly have the most difficult task of all the La Liga sides left in the competition
La Real, despite winning their group ahead of Inter Milan, were drawn against Paris Saint Germain, who are still trying to get their first success in the Champions League at the umpteenth time of asking. They have as good a chance as any now, with Luis Enrique as head coach, and Kylian Mbappe still at the club – although perhaps not for much longer.
PSG will go into the tie as favourites, a title that the former Arsenal, Barcelona and France midfielder Emmanuel Petit I believe it is deserved because of La Real's struggles in recent weeks. Petit spoke exclusively to Football España to provide his take on one of the Champions League tie-ins.
“Two months have passed since (the group stage ended). Real Sociedade was very impressive then, now it is completely different. They are struggling, they have not scored goals and they have many top players injured. We all know their quality – they play with a unit, they fight for every ball, they put pressure on their opponents all the time. But they are quite limited in terms of quality and skill, especially in front of the goal.”
“With the injuries, they don't have a great team – I'm not impressed by the players they've had on the bench recently. For me, they were probably the best team that Paris Saint-Germain could meet, after their performance in the group stage. PSG is like Jekyll and Hyde, but for me – I will not disrespect Real Sociedad – it would be a big disappointment for the club (if they don't progress).
It is certainly true that Real have struggled badly since the Champions League group stage concluded in December. In eight La Liga games since their MD6 draw with Inter, they have won just once (1-0 vs Celta Vigo). Worryingly, they also only scored three goals in that period, although they progressed to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey at least, where they took on Mallorca.
Despite these struggles, Petit believes there is a ray of hope for La Real in their quest to reach the last eight, as PSG typically struggle against sides like the one led by coach Imanol Alguacil .
“PSG struggle against teams like this, who play with so much unity and passion on the pitch. Real Sociedade have a chance, but if PSG play this well, there would be no chance for them.
This is also a good point, and you only need to look earlier this season to have made it. Newcastle United were nowhere near one of the best teams in the Champions League, but they took four points from PSG in the group stage, including a 4-1 defeat at St James' Park in what was a huge shock. This is largely the reason why the French champions will face La Real at this stage.
Wednesday's first leg at the Parc de Princes will be crucial in dictating how the tie plays out. If Real society they can keep things tight in Paris, they will have their chance to progress, especially with the return leg at the Real Arena with the passionate supporters all behind them. PSG could struggle in this environment, as has been shown before.
This interview was conducted with Betway.
