The French champions climbed to 22nd after beating Manchester City 4-2 last week, meaning that even a defeat against Stuttgart could be enough to see them through. But no chances will be taken according to Luis Enrique
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has insisted that neither him nor his players will be distracted by events elsewhere during the final round of Champions League fixtures, knowing a draw will be enough for them to secure a place in the next round. (More Football News)
The French champions climbed to 22nd after beating Manchester City 4-2 last week, meaning that even a defeat against Stuttgart could be enough to see them through. But no chances will be taken according to Luis Enrique.
"Experience tells me that when someone is keeping an eye on what is going on off the pitch, they stop doing what they need to do on the pitch, which means we will not leave it to chance," he told a pre-game press conference.
"We are going out there to win which would improve our league position and that is our target. It is clear there are so many permutations on the last match day but we are not going to get involved in that."
Stuttgart themselves have plenty to play for and occupy the final play-off spot in 24th on 10 points – level with PSG – after finishing as runners-up to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga last season.
"After analysing Stuttgart, I am not surprised to see that they finished second last season with the way that they play and with many international players," said Luis Enrique.
"Of course it is going to be a hard game, they are a team from pot four but they are at a higher level than most other teams. We are preparing for a really difficult game at their stadium."
Despite PSG having come in for heavy criticism after perceived underperformance during their league phase campaign, their coach has suggested they actually deserve to be much higher in the 36-team table.
"I have a very different opinion from all of you, you base everything on the results and I don't," he said.
"I think we have been superior to almost all the teams we have played in the Champions League, particularly at home, but of course in football if you are not clinical in front of goal it is hard to win matches.
"I think we are on the same path as we have been throughout the season."