PARIS – Marco Asensio, 28, believes he “has plenty to offer” Paris Saint-Germain in their latest bid for a maiden Champions League title, having lifted the trophy thrice with Real Madrid.
He joined PSG on a free transfer from Real in the summer, but missed more than two months with a foot injury. He has been a key player since the winter break, though, starting the last three Ligue 1 matches and scoring twice.
PSG host Real Sociedad in the Champions League last 16, first leg on Feb 14, hoping to avoid a third straight exit from the competition in the first knockout round.
Asensio knows what it takes to go all the way, having won the title in 2017, 2018 and 2022, scoring in the final seven years ago against Juventus.
“My football, my experience and my leadership,” he told AFP when asked what he brings to a young PSG side rebuilding after the departure of Lionel Messi and Neymar.
“I’ve been in the football world for a long time. I’ve had my share of success and I believe I have a lot to offer. I can be an example and a source of inspiration for the club’s young players.”
PSG are still waiting to lift the European Cup for the first time, despite reaching the knockout phase in 12 consecutive seasons under their Qatari owners.
A front three of Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe could not deliver the trophy.
Asensio was one of more than 10 new signings in the close-season, along with fellow forwards Goncalo Ramos, Randal Kolo Muani, Ousmane Dembele and Lee Kang-in.
The Spain international is confident the new-look squad, under coach Luis Enrique, can compete in the latter stages of Europe’s biggest club competition.
“With the club, the staff and the players, we are on the right track, united, and I believe that we will accomplish great things,” he added. “We all get along well and we are very ambitious.
“We have already won a title (the Champions Trophy) and soon, in a very short period, the league, the French Cup and the Champions League, all three very important, will be decided. We aim to win all the competitions we compete in.”
Former Spain and Barcelona boss Enrique took over before the start of the season and PSG have steadily improved following a slow start to the campaign. They appear set to retain their league title, sitting 11 points clear of second-place Nice.
PSG edged through their Champions League group as runners-up behind Borussia Dortmund, and are unbeaten in 16 games in all competitions since a loss to AC Milan in November.
“The relationship is good,” Asensio said of playing under his former Spain boss Enrique. “After working with him for the national team, I already knew his working method, what he expects from the team and what he asks of each player.
“He is a very demanding coach and, to tell the truth, one of the best I have ever had, in terms of his discipline and his professionalism, his standards towards himself and towards us.”
PSG avoided Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester City, who have each knocked them out over the past three seasons, in the last-16 draw despite failing to win Group F.
But Asensio warned his teammates against complacency against Real Sociedad, saying: “The matches will be difficult. They play very good football, very effective.”
The Spanish outfit are in buoyant mood despite an injury crisis, with club president Jokin Aperribay saying the team were not going to Paris for sightseeing.
“I’ve got a good feeling about this game and about the month. We are in the Champions League to try and win it, not for a stroll,” he said.
Real Sociedad are expected to miss captain and striker Mikel Oyarzabal as well as defenders Kieran Tierney, Alvaro Odriozola, Aritz Elustondo and Aihen Munoz.
Takefusa Kubo will have a central role to play in the absence of Oyarzabal. The winger has six league goals this season. AFP
