This is why Messi knows PSG will beat Bayern in the Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain received one of the toughest draws for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 as they’ll face off against Bayern Munich for the third time in four years. This is not the worst draw because Bayern is a team that plays. It’s a team that will give space. They had eliminated them two years ago; they had already made top matches. We had seen Bayern’s defensive shortcomings.

And this year, offensively, it’s the usual Bayern so it’s three or four goals in every game and that’s not changing, but they’re defending with even fewer people than usual. Will it be the same against PSG? They might change their guns a bit, but the Germans still have a lot of confidence. It’s not the worst draw. It’s going to be an open game.

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The January transfer window will allow sporting advisor Luis Campos to fix a key weakness in the backline. Over the summer transfer window, Campos had his eyes on Inter Milan defender Milan Škriniar, but failed to meet the asking price that the Serie A side wanted for the Slovakian defender. PSG could land him and another central defender to improve the depth in that position.

If they can do that it may be enough for them to be favourites heading into the matchup. The French club is not known for making defensive purchases in the transfer market. That policy will have to change because defence wins championships. Nothing is wrong with the PSG attack. If their front three return from the World Cup injury free, it will be a problem for Bayern.

Focus will have to shift

Motivation is another key factor after Qatar, as players will be expected to get over the honeymoon of victory, or hangover of defeat rather quickly and shift their focus back to domestic duty. This is easier said than done. Just ask club managers who have to drill their players endlessly when they return from international duty.