Luiz and Paris braced for Barcelona and Messi
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
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Despite a vain hope that Lionel Messi "can take a rest for this match", David Luiz says that Paris Saint-Germain are determined to hold out at FC Barcelona to top Group F.
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Usually with a UEFA Champions League knockout place sealed early, teams can relax a little for the last group game. But that is not the case for Paris Saint-Germain at FC Barcelona on Wednesday, as the French champions require a point to top Group F and clinch a vital seeding for Monday's round of 16 draw.
David Luiz will be at the heart of the defence that will need to keep out competition-leading marksman Lionel Messi and Neymar, who both scored in Paris's 3-2 home win in September in which the Brazil centre-back struck first. Luiz spoke about Paris's ambition for the match and the possbility of a reunion with his old club Chelsea FC.
On the game he expects …
I want to win. Of course it's better to play with the ball and have possession but sometimes it's not possible – the important thing in football is to win.
On Barcelona …
I expect the usual Barça, with great players playing wonderful football, having possession, moving it fast ... all of that. A Barça who are on another level. But we are also eager to play and are ready for this match. It's a difficult game against an amazing team. It's going to be a great game for everyone to watch and I am lucky to be able to play in this match.
On marking Lionel Messi …
Messi can take a rest for this match! No, he's a great player, one of the best in history. It's difficult to stop him and this will be a tough game for our defence. We are lucky to be able to play in this game.
On marking Neymar …
Neymar is a great player and everyone knows Messi is having a great season. Neymar has grown a lot recently but the Ballon d'Or usually goes to strikers. Neymar has enough quality to one day fight for that award.
On winning the group …
This is very important for us. We want to be first in the group, show everyone our ability and win the match. Everyone wants to play this match. I think the most important game is always the next one so that's Barça.
On the knockouts …
Paris have a good chance of winning the Champions League. We need to prove that on the pitch. Chelsea are doing very well and it would be nice if they made it to the final.