Lavezzi: Valencia deserve PSG's respect

Feb 6, 2013 10:50:00 AM

The versatile attacker is eagerly anticipating next week's Champions League encounter, but has insisted that the Parisiens will have to be on top of their game in order to progress

Ezequiel Lavezzi has stressed that Paris Saint-Germain cannot afford to underestimate Valencia in their Champions League round of 16 tie.

The Argentina international is determined to go far in the competition, but realises that the capital club's lack of experience at the highest level could make things difficult for them.

"I'm like Leo [Messi] in that I don't watch matches when I'm not playing, but I know Valencia demand a lot of respect," Lavezzi was quoted as saying on the official Uefa website.

"They're technically strong, they like to be on the ball and to use it well – and, to go back to my basic point, Valencia have lots of Champions League experience.

"I've learned in this competition that teams with experience have an advantage. Chelsea were one of those last season and we paid for it at Napoli.

"Our first stage in this tournament was good, but now it's at the stage where there can be no mistakes."

The first leg of the round-of-16 tie between PSG and Valencia takes place on February 12 at Mestalla.

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