Champions League: PSG v Real full of sub-plots: Terry Phelan

Champions League: The Champions League will return with the Round of 16 fixtures in February and a couple of matches promise to be intriguing affairs with a number of sub-plots hovering around them. Follow live updates on InsideSport.IN

Champions League: Sergio Ramos & Lionel Messi returning to Madrid means sub-plots galore, says Terry Phelan

InsideSport caught up with former Manchester City defender Terry Phelan to discuss the mouthwatering clashes while also talking about the controversial draw which drew criticism from all quarters. Excerpts…

Also read: Champions League: Premier League clubs look to dominate the Champions League Round of 16

Q. PSG vs Real Madrid, what a tie to open proceedings with. Your take on the contest?

A. There are so many tasty sub-plots heading into the contest which will make it even more engaging. The story-lines will range from — Sergio Ramos returning to his former home, Kylian Mbappe coming to town especially with all the transfer talk about him joining Madrid. Let us not forget that a certain Lionel Messi will be returning to Spain to play the old enemy. It will be a wonderful spectacle.

Champions League: Sergio Ramos & Lionel Messi returning to Madrid means sub-plots galore, says Terry Phelan

Real Madrid are flying high at the moment in La Liga and with the wily Carlo Ancelotti in charge, they will know how to get things done. Despite the firepower at PSG’s disposal, a few Real Madrid players have definitely impressed. Vinícius Júnior on the left flank has been electrifying. And Karim Benzema is playing like a man possessed. He is playing the his best level and the France call has boosted his confidence.

Round of 16 draw ✔️

Which tie are you most excited for?#UCLdraw | #UCL pic.twitter.com/QvZoT0yxqi

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 13, 2021

Q. What went wrong with the draw? How can these be avoided in future?

A. It was such a basic error and it should not have happened. And the worst part of the entire thing was that it happened more than once which was really disappointing. Considering the amount of money UEFA spend on these events, hope they put a system in place which will ensure such things do not happen in future. There should be some sort of an inquiry and the draw should not be made into some sort of a mockery in future as it is not good for the game.

Q. Is this Manchester United side too reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo? What are the things Ralf Rangnick needs to work on?

A. Ralf Rangnick has been a part of management for a long time. The first things he needs to be doing his building trust among the squad. He will be aware that changing too many things too quickly is not he way forward. Manchester United have a ton of exciting players and have spent heavily in the summer. But a couple of key areas look underwhelming and it remains to be see how they cope with the pressing game the German manager likes.

Champions League: Sergio Ramos & Lionel Messi returning to Madrid means sub-plots galore, says Terry Phelan

Cristiano Ronaldo has been ageing like fine wine. His presence is going to serve as motivation for the other players as well as in the academy. The way he manages himself at his age both from a physical point of view as well as the will to win is incredible. He has won games single-handedly in the Champions League and United will be hoping for more of the same.

Q. Atletico Madrid are not having the best of seasons in La Liga but what makes them such a dangerous opposition especially in knockout games?

A. Atletico Madrid are not in the best of form at the moment but they are a different proposition when it comes to knockout games. Diego Simeone has made the team hard to beat. They are not scoring too many goals at the moment but they will not concede too many either. And one thing that can be guaranteed is they will fight for every ball till the last minute.

Champions League: Sergio Ramos & Lionel Messi returning to Madrid means sub-plots galore, says Terry Phelan

Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Atletico will be fun to watch. I’m sure he will get quite the reception! Both two teams are not firing on all cylinders and it will be a tight contest.

Q. Is this the period where English clubs will dominate Europe?

A. The recent stats show that there have been two all-English finals in the last three years. The Premier League has the money which means top-class continental players and the best in-class managers usually tend to go there. And they have the resources to dominate. It is hard to say how long it will continue but it definitely boosts the image of the english league.

Champions League: Sergio Ramos & Lionel Messi returning to Madrid means sub-plots galore, says Terry Phelan

But you cannot take the likes of Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich lightly as they have huge European pedigree. And Ajax have been in sublime form as well.

Q. Italy’s run in the Euros was reminiscent of the old days. Where does this current team rank and what is your opinion about England?

A. Roberto Mancini deserves a lot of credit for this change. He was the one who guided Manchester City to their first Premier League title. Italy needed a change in style and Mancini did just that. It almost felt like the old days watching them play. They are a hard side to beat with their veteran defenders. But the best thing about them was their exciting young attackers.

Champions League: Sergio Ramos & Lionel Messi returning to Madrid means sub-plots galore, says Terry Phelan

England will always be under pressure due to the media hype. For Gareth Southgate, finding the right balance will be very important. They have a great bunch of young talent. But in big-ticket events, luck factor will always play a major role. With the World Cup around the corner, I expect England to be a force to be reckoned with.

Watch March of The Champions – Italy’s Triumph: EURO 2020 Special on SONY TEN 2 channels from December 27 to 31, 2021 at 9:30 pm IST.

Football