Matuidi: PSG Will Try Everything To Beat Chelsea In England

Blaise Matuidi is certain PSG will aim for a win against Chelsea in the second leg of their last 16 tie. Goals from Ibrahimovic and Cavani cancelled out Mikel’s equaliser in the clash that ended 2-1 at Parc des Princes. PSG need just a draw to progress, but Matuidi is aiming for a win at Stamford Bridge.

“We won the first leg and now have an advantage, so we can be satisfied,” Matuidi told Le Parisien.

“We will have to be careful, though, because Chelsea got an away goal. We have some regrets over Chelsea’s goal, but we were pleased with our overall performance.

“Unfortunately, we were missing a few more goals. But it was still one of our better performances this season.

“We will go to London to win there as well. We will have to show the same spirit we showed in the first leg.

“We want to impose our own game again, because we know Chelsea have some very talented attackers.

“Both teams are very close to each other. Chelsea are a great team, but PSG have also become a great team since we first met in the Champions League three years ago.”

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Hiddink: Hazard Must Work Towards Fitness

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has charged attacker, Eden Hazard to improve his fitness levels if he is to regain his form. The Belgium international was on a high last season, but has endured a sombre season so far.

And Hazard could not even last for a full 90 minutes in the last 16 tie against PSG. But Hiddink is looking for more from his playmaker.

“He was a threat going forward and he had some good runs, but of course, this was a game with a high intensity. After 65, 70 minutes, it was enough for him,” the Dutchman told Sky.

“He has to grow and when he does, his shape will grow as well. Happily we also have Oscar for his position. He will get better and better.”

Although Hazard has played in nine of Hiddink’s 12 matches in charge – he missed three due to injury – Tuesday’s was only his fourth start.

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Blanc: Chelsea Are Getting Back Their Colour

According to PSG manager Laurent Blanc, Chelsea are getting their back their style. The two sides faced in the last 16 tie and even though Chelsea are struggling in the EPL, they held their own. And after playing out a 2-1 loss against PSG, Blanc feels the blues are back.

“This was a very good match from both teams,” Blanc told beIN Sports. “Chelsea was said to be in great trouble, they are regaining their colour.

The Cote d’Ivoire international was criticised heavily by Blanc, with the coach saying he will “suffer the consequences” for his “pathetic” actions.

“We can expect a tough match at Stamford Bridge but I think the Chelsea players will say the same thing.”

John Obi Mikel’s goal on the stroke of half time cancelled out an earlier goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, only for Edinson Cavani to emerge from the bench and bury the late winner for the French side.

While Blanc feels the Nigerian’s leveller was the only negative of his side’s performance, he singled out Marco Verratti for praise after overcoming a groin injury for his first start since January 13.

“My main regret is conceding the goal in the 45th minute. There was not long to go until half-time at 1-0, but we conceded a corner and the goal – it’s the only regret I have,” he said.

“The players are all celebrating, even those who have not played. The mood was incredible.

“Verratti was amazing. He did not even want to leave the pitch. He has no pain and is good for the future.”

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Villas-Boas Rules Out England Return

Villas-Boas has stated he will not be coming to England in the nearest future, as he nears the end of his time at Zenit. Villas-Boas endured bitter spells at Tottenham and Chelsea, before switching to cold Russia for Zenit.

And after almost two years at Zenit, the Portuguese is on his way out again.

“I think my time has been done there,” he told BT Sport. “It didn’t go as well as I had expected, apart from the first year at Tottenham, so I will look forward to trying other leagues.

“I don’t know where I’ll go, hopefully something good.”

The 38-year-old returned to his homeland on Tuesday, with his side facing Benfica in the first-leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, though a late goal from Jonas saw the hosts take the advantage with a 1-0 win.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Talks About His Relationship With Bale and Benzema

Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he’s not bothered about the kind of relationship that exists between himself and his teammates.

 

When asked about his off-the-field relationship with attacking partners Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, the Portuguese legend stated that it didn’t matter.

READ: Spalletti: Roma Won’t Cage Ronaldo

“It doesn’t matter if Bale comes to my house of if I have dinner with Benzema,” he told reporters.

“Kisses and hugs aren’t important, only the things that happen on the pitch are important. That’s the only thing I value.”

The former Manchester United striker also responded to questions about his happiness at the club and his away form.

“Do I feel appreciated? Yes, of course, absolutely. How could it not be so? I always play, I’ve scored a few goals and I’m at the best club in the world,” he added.

“Why have I struggled to score away from home? Can you name one player who has scored more away from home than me since I’ve been in Spain?”

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