What would disappoint Slovan's coach in the battle with PSG? Yaya Touré speaks openly: "We will suffer, but we must not be afraid"

"We're not going into this game with fear or excessive deference. We respect PSG; they're a top team with a top coach and players. I see this as a good, challenging test, and I want to see how our players handle it.

However, I won't instill fear in their minds. We're all used to watching PSG matches, both coaches and players, but we must still try to play our game against them. I'd be disappointed if it were any other way," stated Yaya Touré, head coach of ŠK Slovan, on the club's website.

Slovan opted for their standard pre-match routine ahead of European fixtures. On Tuesday morning, they flew from Bratislava to Paris on a special charter. The evening schedule at Parc des Princes included a press conference and an official training session. Paris is also enjoying pleasant weather, though Wednesday's forecast predicts a drop in temperature and a chance of rain.

Both Slovan and PSG stumbled in their league matches last weekend. Slovan lost 0-2 to Dunajská Streda, while the French champions were defeated 1-2 at home by Monaco on Friday. PSG has only managed two points from three rounds in the new Ligue 1 season, and Luis Enrique's squad, featuring the dream attacking trio of Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, and Doué, will be hungry for a positive result.

"Losses are part of the process. For me, what's crucial is where we're headed and where we'll end up. Therefore, I don't believe the match in Dunajská Streda should leave any lasting impact on the team.

We are physically and mentally prepared, and all players are available. I want us to be ourselves, to be brave, and determined," Touré declared. The former brilliant footballer, who played for several top European clubs, also had a brief stint in French Monaco during his career. Now, he faces the French and European champions, led by the great tactician Luis Enrique.

"There will certainly be moments in the match when we suffer, as we're playing against one of Europe's top teams. However, this can push us forward. I will emphasize to the players not to be afraid, to challenge in one-on-one situations, and to build on everything we manage to achieve in the game," Touré added.

The UEFA Champions League 2026/27 league phase match between PSG and ŠK Slovan Bratislava kicks off on Wednesday, September 9th, at 9:00 PM at the iconic Parc des Princes. The match will be officiated by Ukrainian referees Balakin, Berkut, and Matyash.