PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino not taking shorthanded Bayern Munich lightly

Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino is not going to take Bayern Munich lightly, no matter who from the Bavarians takes pitch later today.

“The strength of Bayern is in its collective,” said Pochettino (as captured by Sky). “When you win the Champions League and the Club World Cup, it’s because you have a very good group, not just 11 performing players.”

Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Pochettino is obviously cautioning his team not to read into the injury to Robert Lewandowski or Serge Gnabry’s positive COVID-19 test as a sign of weakness for Bayern Munich.

As for how much last year’s Champions League finale might affect his coaching decisions, Pochettino downplayed the significance of last season’s match-up.

“The final is not a benchmark match for us, we weren’t there with my staff, we were just spectators,” Pochettino. “In addition, it’s going to be played over two matches, the context is different. Revenge exists in sport but for us it’s more of a challenge to beat such a strong team, maybe the best in the world. It’s a source of motivation.”