Mateja Kezman: A Point In Manchester Would Be Good For PSG

With only one point from their opening two UEFA Cup Group A fixtures, Paris Saint-Germain’s European hopes for the season rest on a  knife-edge. Les Parisiens’ next stop on their tour of Europe is Manchester, where they will face the city’s second team this evening.

Being below Manchester United in the football pecking order certainly does not make the blue half of the city a weak proposition as Mark Hughes’ side can boast stars of the quality of Robinho, Jo and Elano in their ranks.

PSG, who have household names themselves in their squad, recognise how tricky the match will be. Serbian striker Mateja Kezman has insisted even a draw would have to be considered a good result, though he is still confident his side can cause an upset.

“If we don’t believe, we shouldn’t take to the field on Wednesday evening,” he proclaimed to the club’s official website. “To take a point would be a good thing but we will play to win. We can still qualify.

“Manchester have already progressed and will be playing without pressure in this game. This could be a double-edged sword for us. We come here with great ambition and motivation because it is very important for the club to qualify.”

Not so important as Ligue 1, though, as Paul Le Guen is again poised to rest many of his star names such as Claude Makélélé and Ludovic Giuly, allowing the likes of Kezman, a regular bench-warmer, a rare chance of first team football.

Defeat would not necessarily be the end for PSG, who cannot be knocked out this evening; however, securing at least a point at the City of Manchester Stadium would make their lives considerably easier. Le Guen’s men will face FC Twente in their final UEFA Cup group match at the Parc des Princes 15 days from now.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com