Deco: PSG will make things difficult for Barcelona

Mar 17, 2013 9:40:00 PM

The former Blaugrana star says the French capital side can cause the Liga leaders problems, but ultimately expects the Catalans to progress

Former Barcelona midfielder Deco believes Paris Saint-Germain will make things difficult for his old club, but has tipped the four-time Champions League winners to qualify for this year's semi-finals.

Carlo Anceotti's side have reached the last eight of the Champions League at the first time of asking following a 3-2 aggregate win over Valencia, but have a stern test ahead of them if they are to proceed further.

"I've seen some [of their] games and I think PSG, despite being a team in formation, will make things difficult for Barca," he told ESPN Brasil. "[Ancelotti] has experience in the Champions League.

"[Barcelona] have long played together, while PSG are a team that are still under construction.

"Of course, one can not underestimate the French because they have quality players like [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic or Thiago [Silva], a very strong defence and a quality midfield."

The 75-cap former Portugal international also spoke about the criticism the Blaugrana received after losing the first leg of their last-16 clash with AC Milan 2-0 at San Siro.

"Any team who play like Barca create very high expectations and if they stumble a bit, [the reception] usually appears critical," he continued.

"Keep in mind that this team are very young. [Lionel] Messi, their big star, is only 25 years old and they have also been without a coach, something which affects [them] whether you want it to or not.

"So it's normal to have a dip, but this does not mean that the team are finished."

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