Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc will urge his players to keep their composure amid provocation from Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho in tonight’s last-16 clash at the Parc des Princes.
Mourinho, who has created a siege mentality at Chelsea in recent weeks after suggesting there is a “clear campaign” against his side, claimed victory over Blanc in last season’s quarter-finals and will be aiming for a repeat.
“I know Jose Mourinho a bit and I know he’ll raise the heat,” said Blanc. “So my players need to remain cool headed, not react and keep calm.”
Serge Aurier, Yohan Cabaye and Lucas Moura are out of the Chelsea clash after sustaining injuries in the Ligue 1 draw with Caen, while Marquinhos, Maxwell, Blaise Matuidi and Thiago Motta must prove their fitness.
One player PSG do have at their disposal, though, is David Luiz, who will aim to show his worth after a £50million (Dh282m) move from Chelsea last summer.
The 27-year-old Brazil defender hopes to finish on the winning side once again in a Champions League tie between the sides.
Luiz believes Chelsea have improved since his departure and hopes he is worth more than the transfer fee paid for his signature.
“I hope, in this room, I am valued more than £50m,” Luiz said. “I just need to show my football every day and show my job for the club.”
Luiz was on the scoresheet in Chelsea’s 3-1 first-leg loss last term, although it was an own goal, with the Blues advancing after a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
“Last year I scored my first goal for PSG,” he said, before adding: “If I score against Chelsea I don’t celebrate for respect, but I will be happy.”
