Biggest concern is whether we can match their intensity/aggression. Pretty sure we are superior when it comes to technical ability. That's never the problem. Every single time we get blown away in CL ( Roma, LFC, Bayern, Juve in Camp nou) we're not aggressive enough, get overrun in midfield etc.
The thing that gives me a bit of comfort coming into this match however is the fact that we never have really looked remarkably disinterested or lacked intensity for an entire 90 minutes so far under Koeman. Physically we are a much stronger team than we have been in the past and at least based off of the CdR displays, Koeman does not allow this team to hide and fade away. It seems his tone and what he demands is finally starting to sink into the players. For me, I think the success allowed the team to forget over the years the small things and hard work it takes to win trophies and Koeman from day one has always harped about improving those things and getting that focus back. We might have had some spells during a half with him earlier in the season where we look flat but the narrative of us being a different team now than the one we were in November seems valid to me. Tonight is a true acid test of whether or not this narrative is real or not.
I expect an edgy, back and forth tie both legs honestly. I think its all about which side maximizes momentum the most in their good moments and on the flip side, who can deal with other teams offensive momentum better. Basically, if it plays out with us starting off with momentum for 35 mins, then it swinging to PSG and back again to us etc., then really what will decide this is which defense buckles less and I think we had the advantage there. Offensively its pretty much a tie for me, in midfield maybe a very slight edge to us (assuming Busi is at his best tonight) and just huge question marks over both defensive lines. The thing is we have played tougher teams than PSG has, have had to suffer defensively more and crucially, have faced adversity this season. That experience might be the difference here but fuck I wish Araujo was fit because he was such a big part of our comebacks. My only legit concern is if Koeman forces Pique into the lineup half-fit and presidente del amigos throws this entire tie with his slow ass but I am praying that Koeman is smarter than that.
One thing that is certain is that this is going to tell us a lot about where this team is, how hard of a job the new board will have here in March and I think will play a big role in if Messi stays or goes. Between all of that and our beef with PSG, the stakes couldn't be higher and I am very curious how the players respond to it. All things considered, while we might still be psychologically weak but they are still rather inexperienced so the mental sides of this could wash out too. We really need to start putting away some of our past demons in this tournament and tonight could not be a better way to start. The CdR displays have given me the slightest of belief that we might have finally turned the page on these humiliations and I hope they prove it is real tonight.
Cannot remember the last time I've been this excited for a match!
