Salzburg suffered some heavy defeats in the league phase this year, and two weeks ago the runner-up went down quietly against the German champions. The PSG hurdle is similarly demanding, although after five games the Parisians only have four points more than the “Bulls”. “Even if they are currently having a few problems in the Champions League, it will be a very difficult task for us,” said Lijnders.
“We have to be strong, tactically well-organized and smart in the key moments. But we will try to play our game as best as possible,” announced the Dutchman. “The team that dominates the transition moments will win tomorrow.” Central defender Samson Baidoo echoes the same sentiment. “It is important that we act courageously. And we have to defend well as a team.”
Salzburg takes on Paris Saint-Germain
A big name awaits Salzburg at home in the Champions League on Tuesday. The stars of Paris Saint-Germain have already arrived in the city on Monday. There is a lot of pressure on the teams because both are lagging behind expectations in the premier class.
Defense in focus
However, after a catastrophic autumn, Salzburg doesn’t exactly appear with a broad chest, but rather as a fragile structure. The performances in the league have recently shown an upward trend, but they are still a long way from their former dominance. “We have recently taken good steps in the right direction. We were good with the ball, but there is still room for improvement,” said Baidoo.
GEPA/David Geieregger
Most recently in Leverkusen, the defensive performance was, to put it diplomatically, poor, and this time Kamil Piatkowski is also out injured. In his place, Amar Dedic moves from the right into the center of defense.
PSG coach Luis Enrique is traveling without national player Ousmane Dembele; the 27-year-old offensive spirit last saw a yellow-red card against Bayern Munich (0-1) and is suspended. Otherwise, the Spanish coach has virtually everyone on board who is famous – from European champion Fabian Ruiz to captain Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi to the young stars Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaire-Emery.
Champions League, sixth matchday
Tuesday, 9 p.m.:
Salzburg – PSG
Stadium Salzburg, SR Oliver/ENG
Salzburg: Schlager – Capaldo, Dedic, S. Baidoo, Guindo – Gourna-Douath, Bidstrup – Yeo, Gloukh, Nene – Ratkov
PSG: Donnarumma – Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes – Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves – Lee, Ramos, Barcola
PSG also has room for improvement
Last year’s semi-finalist has not yet gained momentum in the premier class this year as hoped and has already suffered three defeats. Recently there were two draws in Ligue 1. A construction site is above all the exploitation of opportunities.
“Now we’ve had a number of games where we haven’t scored, especially in the Champions League. But on Tuesday we will try to win,” said Enrique after the 0-0 draw in Auxerre. “We will go to Salzburg to win from the first minute.”
Lijnders revealed on Monday that he was a great admirer of Luis Enrique, “not just what he has achieved as a player, but also how he lets his teams play”.
Not sold out
By the way, the match is not sold out yet; around 25,000 tickets have been sold so far. “This is a great opportunity to have PSG here with us,” said Lijnders. It is the second time that Salzburg has received a French visit this year, losing 4-0 against Stade Brest.
