Black Friday Sale! Save huge on InvestingProGet up to 60% off

Champions League 'a big objective' for PSG, says Emery

Published 12/09/2017, 06:47
Updated 12/09/2017, 06:50
© Reuters. Paris St Germain Press Conference

(Reuters) - Paris St Germain manager Unai Emery believes his side face increased pressure to deliver success in the Champions League following their transfer splurge ahead of the season.

PSG signed Brazil's Neymar for a world record fee of 222 million euros ($265.40 million) during the off-season and also recruited Kylian Mbappe on loan from AS Monaco.

Mbappe is expected to make his move permanent in 12 months for a reported 180 million euros.

PSG have never won the Champions League title, nor made the semi-finals since 1995, but expectations have risen since they were bought by Qatari Sports Investment in 2011 and won four of their six Ligue 1 titles since then.

They have not, however, progressed beyond the quarter-finals in Europe's premier intercontinental club competition since the acquisition and Emery said those results now take precedence.

"I know it is a big objective for the club, but we are doing and feeling well, the players are doing well but I know it will be difficult," Emery told reporters ahead of their clash with Scottish champions Celtic.

"I know I have a lot of responsibility because I have a lot of good players at my disposal and there are some good teams in the Champions League, and Celtic is one of them.

"I don't know (if PSG are favourites), but with the players and quality we have we should get close this year."

PSG would be wary of Brendan Rodgers's Celtic side, who are unbeaten in 54 domestic matches.

The Scottish side failed to reach the Champions League knockout stages last season but picked up two draws against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

"Preparation is everything. We have prepared well all week but we must give Celtic the respect they deserve," Emery added.

© Reuters. Paris St Germain Press Conference

"We are aiming to go far. The atmosphere is incredible and they try to share the pressure together. It will be difficult but we are ready."

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2024 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.