Pocognoli happy and confident ahead of PSG clash in the Champions League

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·31 de janeiro de 2026

Pocognoli happy and confident ahead of PSG clash in the Champions League

Sébastien Pocognoli, coach of AS Monaco, held a press conference ahead of the match this Saturday night against Rennes as part of the 20th day of Ligue 1. He was notably asked to share his thoughts on the Champions League playoff against Paris Saint-Germain (February 17 and 25).

Pocognoli: "I am looking forward to that date."

I said after the match against Juve that I had no preference. I know Newcastle from having faced them this season in the Champions League with Union Saint-Gilloise. It would have been a nice nod to face them again with AS Monaco to measure ourselves against them. As for Paris Saint-Germain, we obviously know the level of this team, especially since we have already played them in Ligue 1 (1-0 victory). So I am looking forward to that date, but before that, there are many matches on which we can build and accumulate as much confidence as possible. Because we know it's a two-legged confrontation, so everything is possible. Playing a French team We are going to play a very high-level team that knows the competition well, so it's certain that from the perspective of the neutral spectator, it might cause disappointment to see two French clubs face each other. But on my side, I am very happy to meet PSG, as we already had a very good match against them at home in the league. We will therefore need to raise our level of play again.

Pocognoli: "I have no worries"

We know we perform well against big teams, whether in the league or in Europe, so I have no worries about being present for these two matches and having as much ambition as possible. But the most important thing for me right now is especially Ligue 1, and to show the same attitude as against Juve," he said, as reported by the official ASM website.

Even though there was a 1-0 victory in Ligue 1 a few weeks ago, it is difficult for Monaco to be particularly confident against PSG. The latter has lacked efficiency lately but still possesses great qualities in the game and could quickly become a formidable machine again. However, Pocognoli and his players must accept this challenge with maximum determination.

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It should also be noted that they have qualities, often shown at home in the Champions League this season. The trips, however, have been much more difficult. The matches will be intense, even though it is always a bit strange to meet a club from the same country in the European competition. This can be unfortunate here for French football. It can also be highlighted that there will inevitably be a club qualified for the quarter-finals.

PSG is the favorite for this spot, but nothing is guaranteed. More complete performances than recently will be needed to avoid new regrets. Monaco already announces that there is no question of playing with fear.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.