Kvaratskhelia: PSG a better team now than in last meeting with Bayern
Paris Saint-Germain's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the French Ligue 1 soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Nantes at Parc des Princes Stadium. Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Paris Saint-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has said they are a better team now than in autumn when they lost 2-1 against Bayern Munich in first stage of the Champions League. The two sides meet again in a mouth-watering semi-final tie which starts on Tuesday in Paris, with the return leg in Munich next week Wednesday.
"When they came to the Parc last November, we weren't as good as them. Tomorrow, though, two of Europe's best teams will be facing each other," Kvaratskhelia told a news conference on Monday. PSG coach Luis Enrique heaped praise on Bayern and their coach Vincent Kompany.
"I like all of their players, and Vincent Kompany is a top manager. Bayern are one of the teams that I enjoy watching the most because they're always on the attack. I like every manager but particularly attack-minded managers, and he's one of them," he said.
"Bayern are perhaps slightly above us because they've only lost two games (all season), but in terms of what we've shown, there's no team better than us. " He said he faces "a lottery" to decide on his starting 11, making a gesture imitating giving a wheel of fortune a spin as he said that "everyone is ready, regardless of who plays" when asked about his midfield options. Playmaker Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes are fit again which leaves only Quentin Ndjantou sidelined.
"We'll see what the best team is. Every coach wants to head into the run-in with their team in the best possible shape, and the magic of the Champions League gives players energy. We're doing very well right now," Enrique said.