It’s quite a challenge that is proposed to Toulouse FC, the last winner of the Coupe de France, forced to face PSG, outgoing Ligue 1 champion, at the Parc des Princes on the occasion of the Champions Trophy this Wednesday evening .
“We would all have preferred to play on neutral ground as is the tradition for this final, and we are not very happy with this decision (to play at the Parc), but we have to comply with it,” declared the Toulouse coach , Carles Martinez Novell, this Tuesday at a press conference. The only thing we can control is to give our best and that’s what we’re going to do. »
The 39-year-old Toulouse technician measures the scale of the task facing the capital club, winner of nine of the last ten editions of the Champions Trophy (Lille beat PSG 1-0 in 2021). “Of course it’s very complicated to face PSG on their lawn but it’s a final, a very important match for us, for the club, for the city,” continued Martinez Novell whose team, 16th in Ligue 1, held PSG to a draw at the Toulouse Stadium (1-1) during the 2nd day in mid-August. You can earn an additional trophy in a single encounter. »
« On a nos chances »
Furthermore, the Barcelona player is coping well with being an outsider: “We have been preparing for this match since December 28 with a lot of effort. We have our chances. I remember saying, at the time (in August), that I preferred to play PSG in August rather than in December. It’s always like that. Today, Paris is much better established. They have been working with Luis Enrique for six months, everything is clearer for everyone. They are good with or without the ball. It’s a very dynamic team. Now, I can’t reveal everything, but we have some avenues to try to hinder them. »
As Téfécé did against Liverpool in the Europa League group stage, with a success (3-2 in November). “It’s a good example,” says the coach. The European Cup must serve us well. We are often told that we are more comfortable on the European scene so, yes, I hope that tomorrow (Wednesday) will be an incredible day for us. You will have to have the same impeccable state of mind as that day, be as efficient as possible, accept to suffer together and make the right choices at the right time. »
