Why PSG playing a French team in the playoffs is brilliant news?

The Champions League playoff draw took place yesterday with several clubs discovering who they will play in the next round of the tournament. PSG discovered they will play French opposition in Stade Brestois. They were rewarded with this draw after ending the league phase with three wins in a row which took them up to 15th in the table. This is a complete contrast to Man City who have the tough task of having to get past Real Madrid in the playoff round after they had finished 22nd. Here at PSG Post we discuss why playing a French side in the playoff rounds is ideal for Les Parisiens.

There is an inferior complex between them and the French sides

Since the Qatari owners took over in 2012 PSG have been the dominant team in France. The clash against Brest should not be much different as they are one of the teams that they have little problems beating. In fact the last time they met Luis Enrique's side ran out 3-1 winners in Parc des Princes courtesy of goals from Ousmane Dembele (two) and Fabian Ruiz. The French champions survived a scare after Brest went in front via Roman Del Castillo's spot kit in the 29th minute. These two sides will play against each other on Saturday 1st February prior to meeting each other on Tuesday 11th February and Wednesday 19th February.

Can pick up confidence prior to harder games

Luis Enrique's side have struggled against tougher opposition in the Champions League. They have lost to Atletico Madrid , Arsenal and Bayern Munich whilst drawing to PSV in the league phase of this tournament. They will come up against more difficult teams once they have gone past Brest in the playoff rounds. Winning against Eric Roy's side would be good preparation as it will help them build confidence before the tougher tests against more stern opposition. The three games winning run they are on currently includes wins over Man City and Stuttgart.

They know French opposition really well

Very few teams in the competition know French teams as well as PSG. This will make the games against Ligue 1 sides easier to manoeuvre as they will know what to expect from them. Contrast to games against English , Spanish and Italian opposition where there is an element of unknown regarding how PSG will matchup versus a continental side. The Ligue 1 opposition they will come up against find themselves eighth in the league table which is a testament to how they have struggled to balance European and domestic football.