Emery warns five-star PSG can only get better

Celtic charged over pitch invasion

GLASGOW, Sept 13, (AFP): Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Unai Emery says his side have learned lessons from the past after they started their Champions League Group B campaign with a 5-0 thrashing of Celtic.

Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Edinson Cavani’s double and a Mikel Lustig own goal consigned Celtic to their record home European defeat and propelled PSG to the top of the table on goal difference from Bayern Munich, who they host on match day two.

It was a real statement of intent from this summer’s big spenders who signed Brazilian Neymar and teenage sensation Mbappe in a bid to make a real impression on the competition.

After four consecutive seasons of reaching the quarter-finals, PSG fell at the round of 16 last season when they capitulated against Barcelona after winning the first leg 4-0.

It was a result that convinced their Qatari owners to break the world transfer record to bring Neymar to the French capital.

The 6-1 defeat to the Catalan giants in the second leg was a humbling for PSG but Emery says they are approaching this season’s campaign with a renewed confidence.

“We did learn from the past and what happened last year. We have worked really hard to improve things within the team,” the Spanish coach said.

“I think my team showed a lot of character. What I was really pleased with was the fact we were in control with the ball and without the ball.

“Of course we have added to the team but it is more about all the people working together. As far as this is concerned I am really, really happy.”

The French side’s formidable front line terrorised the Celtic defence and Emery warned they would only get better.

The PSG coach singled out Mbappe, who PSG have an option to buy from Monaco for a fee that could reach 180 million Euros, for praise.

“This is what he needs at the moment. He wants to be a great player and he is going to grow up into that role,” Emery said of the 18-year-old who scored his second goal in two games.

“They have only played a few games together ... but the key is that the team is going to improve more and more.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said his side, who conceded five at home for the first time since Rangers beat them 5-1 in September 1960, said his side weren’t at the same level of the French superstars.

“You have to give credit to them. They are a really special team and they are going to be close to winning it for sure,” the Northern Irishman said.

“This is a level where you have to look after the ball, and you have to make the ball work for you, and in the first half we didn’t do that.”

European football’s governing body UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Celtic following a pitch invasion during their Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

A supporter raced onto the Parkhead pitch late in the first half on Tuesday

Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian striker Neymar (right), celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the UEFA Champions League Group B football match between Celtic and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at

Celtic Park in Glasgow, on Sept 12. (AFP)

with the hosts 3-0 down and darted towards 18-year-old superstar Kylian Mbappe.

He aimed a fresh-air kick at the former Monaco striker but failed to make contact before being whisked away by stewards.

Celtic have been charged with a count of “field invasion” and will have their case heard by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on Oct 19, a UEFA statement said.

Celtic have already been fined 11 times in less than six years over fan behaviour issues ranging from pro-IRA chants to fireworks, crowd disturbances and illicit banners.

PSG have also been charged after their fans were accused of breaking seats at Celtic Park and will have their matter addressed at the same hearing as Celtic.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers expressed his frustration with Tuesday night’s incident and said the Parkhead club would take its own action.

“The crowd reaction said it all. It is disappointing at any ground that a supporter gets on to the pitch,” he said.

“I am sure the club will deal with that. It shouldn’t be anything that we should see on a football field. The crowd in their reaction told you everything you need to know.”

Police said they made seven arrests at Celtic Park, including a 21-year-old man accused of an alleged pitch incursion and assault.

Four men are expected to appear in court later Wednesday.

UEFA has also opened proceedings against Basel after fans set off fireworks at Old Trafford on Tuesday. The Swiss club lost 3-0 to Manchester United. hands as long as the old guard of Messi and Iniesta remain at the club and are fit and firing.

Barca captain Iniesta, 33, struggled for large parts of last season as injuries took their toll but he rolled back the years against Juve with a seamless display that recalled the days when Pep Guardiola was manager and Barca dominated in midfield.

The veteran ran the usually solid Italian champions ragged throughout the game and capped the display with a pinpoint pass to Messi for the Argentine’s second goal, Barca’s third, earning him a warm reception when he was substituted late on.

“It’s important to play a lot of minutes but the key is looking after yourself properly,” said Iniesta, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

“When the team functions well we all play better. We struggled a bit at first as is normal in European games but we just needed a bit of patience and then we began to control the game.”

The Juve clash, a repeat of last season’s quarter-final tie won by the Italians and the 2015 Champions League final in which Barca triumphed, was one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures in Europe this week.

But the match began in a subdued atmosphere, while outside the Nou Camp opponents of the board campaigned for a motion of no confidence in president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Once Iniesta and Messi had finished outclassing Juventus, however, there was a party mood inside the ground, with little signs of any rebellion.

Iniesta’s display was only upstaged by Messi, who ended his hoodoo against Juve keeper Gianluigi Buffon with lethal strikes either side of halftime, scoring for the seventh time in three games.

He also had a shot cleared off the line which was turned in by Ivan Rakitic for the second goal and hammered the post in the second half. He was a constant threat and at times freely danced past the visiting defence, torturing a helpless Juve rearguard.

“I have the feeling that whenever Leo picks the ball up something is going to happen, anything can happen, and it’s always good for us,” said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde.

“Leo scored an extraordinary goal and blew the game open. He is one of the best players in the history of the game.

“I’ve had to suffer a lot against him in the past but now I’m lucky enough to be able to enjoy him,” added Valverde, who came from Athletic Bilbao and has managed several Spanish clubs.

Messi