Pochettino guarantees Neymar and Icardi among related to classic

Olympique de Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain face off this Sunday, at 15:45 (GMT), for the 11th round of the French Championship. Coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed the return of Neymar and Icardi to their counterparts. The two players will be available in the derby, after being out of the Champions League match against Leipzig (the Brazilian for muscle problems, and the Argentine for particular reasons).

“Neymar is available and will be in the squad. Icardi is a very strong player mentally and he trained with us. He has the support of the president and the whole team. He is also available for the group tomorrow (Sunday),” Pochettino said in an interview collective.

Without being able to count on Paredes, Sergio Ramos and Sergio Rico, the coach pondered a difficult match, especially for being away from home. “Obviously it will be a complicated game because the environment is against us. We know each other well, it will be a special match. We play for three points, but also for pride, for joy. It will be a difficult game because Marseille are a very good team. Winning the game is the main thing. We don’t think about another result”, analyzed the coach.

PSG updated the players who are in the Medical Department this Saturday. Midfielder Leandro Paredes injured his right quadriceps in the last game with the Argentine national team and is still undergoing treatment. Defender Sergio Ramos continues his individual training and should return to collective work in the coming days. Goalkeeper Sergio Rico, meanwhile, felt a sprained thumb on his left hand during training this Saturday and is expected to return next week.

The team led by Pochettino is coming off two victories. The first, on September 15, was against Angers 2-1, by the French. Last Tuesday, they beat RB Leipzig in the Champions League 3-2.

“Each team has its dynamics. As for us, the victories against Angers and Leipzig were good for the group and allowed us to maintain our top positions in the tables. These matches, which I experienced as a player and then as a coach, are different. Each one has its story”, said the commander.

“Olympique is an aggressive, vertical team that seeks depth quickly, which speeds up the ball’s recovery. We hope to be able to impose our style in this match. I think each classic has its own story, its life, its emotions, through the culture of different countries and different teams. Each one is special. We know this and we want to win. That’s why we play these games,” added Pochettino.