Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc recalled a time when Ajax’s ‘Total Football’ methodology made the Dutch giants the team to beat in Europe.
In turn, the manager of Ajax, Ronald de Boer, whose team tackle the Parisians on tonight, reflected on the fact that PSG, with their deep, deep pockets, are flexing the kind of financial muscle that brings trophies in the modern age.
Since the Qatar Investment Authority picked out the French capital club as its latest venture in 2011, PSG’s potential has become limitless. They begin this European campaign among the favourites to lift the trophy in Berlin next June.
“To be among the favourites is one thing, to do it on the pitch is more difficult,” Blanc said. “When we talk about going as far as possible in the Champions League, my aim is to win it.”
Blanc was effusive in drawing on his memories of the great teams that have come from Amsterdam.
“From the moment you enter the stadium, walk along its corridors, you realise what Ajax represent,” Blanc said. “I remember the Total Football team, I grew up with that. It’s a great European club.”
Blanc made reference to the sides that conquered Europe in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1995, the last time a Dutch team were crowned champions of Europe.
Ex-Ajax men Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gregory van der Wiel and Maxwell return to the Amsterdam ArenA as part of a star-studded team assembled at great expense.
“They have the right to do that,” said De Boer. “We must be creative. They can still only field 11 players.”
Elsewhere, Roma captain Francesco Totti is relishing the chance to once again play in the Champions League.
The 37-year-old will make his 50th appearance in the competition against CSKA Moscow in Group E.
However, it will be the first time that Totti and Roma have played in Europe’s elite club tournament since the 2010/11 campaign.
“To return to the Champions League is gratifying for me and for Roma as a team,” Totti said. “I feel fortunate.
“Time goes by but fortunately I don’t feel it. I will be the first to step aside when I no longer have the strength to play.”
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao are are in the group stages for the first time since the 1998/99 campaign and they know they cannot afford to drop points at home if they wish to advance as they take on Shakhtar.
Winger Iker Muniain said: “To play at home will help us to be ready and clinch three points against Shakhtar, which is vital.”
