Sebastien Pocognoli was in a press conference on Monday on the eve of the Champions League playoff first leg between Monaco and PSG. The Belgian coach discussed his team's underdog role, PSG's qualities, Paris' recent loss at Rennes and Ousmane Dembele's post-match criticism.

PSG, his biggest coaching challenge?

"No, I don't think so. My biggest challenge is to succeed this season and tomorrow's match is part of that objective. There is no more pressure or expectation regarding this match, even if it's certain that it's PSG and the Champions League. They are the defending champions, so they necessarily want to confirm this year and retain their title. The reality is that we have an underdog role; we will have to take it as it is and do the maximum to give ourselves the ambition of envisioning qualification."

The importance of the first leg

"The first leg at home certainly gives from a psychological point of view what you tell me just now, to say to yourself 'ok it's the first leg, it's at home'... In the history of the Champions League, many teams took a big step during the first match but did not manage to confirm it in the return. So it's important to consider that we play at home in front of our supporters for a beautiful Champions League evening, but a very good performance tomorrow or an unfavorable to us would not jeopardize the return match in my opinion. Necessarily, we can put ourselves in better conditions, but there will be a second match to play. It's up to us to give ourselves the most chances before the second match."

PSG's loss at Rennes and Dembele's criticism

"What happens at PSG is none of my business, at least regarding these extra-sporting things. For me, the most important thing concerning PSG is to analyze their game and try to contain their great qualities. Afterwards, I don't think their defeat (at Rennes) will influence anything; they are in another competition. They are holders of the Champions League title; they will certainly want to defend it by playing with great heart. What happened at Rennes will not be compared in relation to tomorrow's match."

What system against PSG?

"In Madrid, we wanted to play, but I think we try to do it in every match, regardless of the system. The big difference between the match against Real Madrid (lost 6-1 by Monaco, editor's note) and the last five matches is the state of mind and the reaction when we lose the ball. It's the state of mind that makes the system good or not. We'll see tomorrow which one we adopt. From my arrival, I said that we had the possibility to alternate several systems, even more if we have all our key players present. We'll see tomorrow, nothing is decided yet, we will wait to see if the uncertain players are absent or not, and make the best decision."

Can PSG still win the Champions League?

"I think they have many individual qualities, the collective is there too. They were performant last season; they still are. Afterwards, maintaining consistency over two years is difficult; even the best teams have ups and downs. Except that at PSG, when they lose a match, the repercussion is totally different compared to other clubs, but that is due to the standing and also to the fact that they won the Champions League. I think PSG will still have a great season. They have a beautiful squad, a very good coach who knows how to win titles. There are two times 90 minutes to play and PSG's context in the league will be totally different in European competition. One thing is sure, if we manage to have the level we had in some Champions League matches, or even in the league in big games, we have our chances. You have to believe it, otherwise there's no point in playing the match. The players want to live a beautiful evening tomorrow and give themselves the most chances for the return match."

A pleasant underdog role?

"I think any team would have more or less this underdog role against PSG. The fact that we are two teams from the same league means that we know each other well, on both sides. It will be interesting to see how we manage this mental aspect. Does this role suit us? We are in the Champions League, we could have met many teams and had this role. In the league, we have a reputation that often makes it the opposite. It's up to us to play with that by being perhaps freer with and without the ball."

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