MARCO VERRATTI

test against a front-loaded forward line.

But Verratti is convinced it’s the arrival of the Brazilian that could make all the difference in their bid to bring the Champions League trophy back to Paris next summer.

And the 24-year-old admits even he had doubts his club would pull off the transfer sensation of the summer.

He said: “Neymar is a big hit. I did not think he would come. At first I was sceptical but Dani Alves talked to me about this possibility. It was not easy to leave Barca and people like Messi and Suarez. And yet Neymar has done it.

“He is a phenomenon who has taken the lead to bring Paris to the top of European football. Now nothing is forbidden and we can win the Champions League. “We have so many good players but to get to the bottom of all the competitions we will need everyone. “Then of course you have a

guy like Draxler who is one of the best I’ve ever played with and he could come off the bench.

“There are so many options in attack with players like him.”

Whether there is a Champions League hangover from PSG’s last outing the competition at Celtic Park tomorrow will become clear.

Verratti admits there will be moments of adversity in this campaign as he rebuked a chance to sign for Barca this summer to remain a key part of the eye-watering financial project at Paris.

He said: “We’re going to have difficult moments. We have to find the strength to pick ourselves up. We have to be men.

“We lost 6-1 – it wasn’t the referee’s fault. We’re the first ones responsible.

“It was complicated during the summer but I’m happy to be part of a big project.

“There were misunderstandings with PSG, things I did not understand.

“But now everything is resolved. I do not know if I will stay for a lifetime because in football you can never say. But I’m fine where I am.”

GORDON PARKS