Laurent Blanc acknowledged Paris Saint-Germain's "entire season will be judged on our Champions League campaign" as they prepare to play Chelsea for the third year running.
We'll need to impose our game on Chelsea, a team who are capable of beating us. We met Chelsea in the past two seasons: they beat us once and we eliminated them once, which shows that the level of the two teams is very similar. The Champions League gives them an opportunity for positive things in an otherwise difficult season, and their manager is very experienced having won the competition already.
Hiddink focusing on Chelsea present
Terry's absence could be very important for Chelsea, as he's an important player both on the pitch and in terms of team spirit; he's also very important on set pieces. We saw that on Saturday – when he went off, it completely changed the defensive line.
I still have two uncertainties regarding my lineup: between Marquinhos and [Gregory] Van der Wiel for right-back, and also another one. I almost have a full squad available – apart from a player who ruled himself out [Serge Aurier]. I know that Marco [Verratti, groin] is not fit enough for 90 minutes but I want to use him. Now I have to chose whether he will start or finish the game. Apart from that, the squad is very focused on the match.
We all know our entire season will be judged on our Champions League campaign – for most media, not winning the league is not an option, and it would also look bad not to win both domestic cups. The Champions League is something else, because we only face clubs that have the same level or higher than us.
We have the capacity to do well in this competition, more so that in previous years, notably thanks to our experienced players. Starting now, we'll only face teams that have the quality to win it. But that's when things become the most interesting for the club, for the players and for the manager. We have the potential to win this competition.
Guus Hiddink, Chelsea manager
I agree it's 50-50 [for the tie]. Paris are building a very strong team, dominating the French league. To become a great club, a team must win the Champions League, and they're certainly aiming for it. On our side, we've been improving since December, but it'll be a great test to get to the next round.
We're growing. Everyone knows the current situation of Chelsea. We're improving step by step, with quality players. We are not yet where we want to be, to be able to impose our style of play, but we've had a string of games with dominant play from us.
Hiddink just focusing on the present
Marco Verratti, although still young, is a key player for Paris and Italy. But PSG have very good replacements if he doesn't start – like we do with John Terry. Big clubs always have big replacements.
Possible lineups
Paris: Trapp; Marquinhos (Van der Wiel), Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Maxwell; Matuidi, Thiago Motta, Verratti (Rabiot); Di María, Ibrahimović, Cavani.
Out: Aurier (disciplinary), Lavezzi (unspecified)
Doubtful: Pastore (hamstring)
Misses next match if booked: Aurier, Verratti
Chelsea: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Ivanović, Cahill, Rahman; Fàbregas, Mikel; Hazard, Willian, Pedro; Costa.
Out: Zouma (knee), Terry (hamstring, ligament), Matić (suspended)
Doubtful: Oscar (calf)
Misses next match if booked: none
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