'I'm not going to apologise' – Tuchel defiant after PSG get controversial win against Leipzig

Thomas Tuchel praised Paris Saint-Germain‘s “coronary heart” after their underwhelming 1-0 Champions League win over RB Leipzig and refused to apologise for profitable ugly.

Final season’s crushed finalists have been badly out of types in opposition to their Bundesliga opponents on Tuesday , with Neymar’s decisive 11th-minute penalty simply one among three photographs heading in the right direction they mustered.

The end result means PSG leapfrog Leipzig into second place in Group H courtesy of a greater aim distinction with two video games remaining. 

Beneath strain head coach Tuchel concedes his aspect have been fortunate to assert all three factors at Parc des Princes, however refused to apologize for profitable by any means crucial. 

“We lacked luck in Leipzig [they lost 2-1 in the reverse fixture three weeks ago] and tonight we had some luck,” he advised a media convention. “We performed with numerous solidarity and defended with numerous coronary heart. 

“At all times collectively. That is why we received. I am not going to apologise for that. The match demanded that we defend deep and we simply did what the sport demanded of us.

“Tonight it wasn’t doable to get out of strain with the ball and now we have to simply accept that. I settle for it.

“We need to assault. We have executed that earlier than. However generally it is simply not doable.”

The Ligue 1 champions ended the primary half with simply 37.2 per cent possession, their lowest complete at half-time in a Champions League recreation since dealing with Bayern Munich in September 2017.

It didn’t get a lot better after the interval, with Leipzig ending the sport having loved 62 per cent possession and taking 15 photographs to PSG’s eight. 

Tuchel blamed his aspect’s lacklustre efficiency on accidents and fatigue after a busy begin to the season, however he’s concentrating on an improved efficiency in opposition to group leaders Manchester United subsequent week. 

“We have performed 11 league video games and 4 Champions League video games, and we have had round 100 accidents throughout that point,” he added. “I noticed that we common seven injured gamers per recreation. 

“We now have one other recreation in Manchester subsequent week. I hope we’re in a position to recuperate however now we have one other recreation on Saturday [in opposition to Bordeaux in Ligue 1].

“Marco Verratti performed as we speak virtually with out having educated. The identical for Neymar. That is the fact. Possibly you suppose it is all the time excuses. 

“Essentially the most tough factor was to search out 11 gamers who may make a bodily influence. We’ll put together a plan for Manchester. If the gamers really feel higher, we’ll play a greater match. If now we have to defend deep once more, then we’ll do this.”