Paris, France) – Julian Nagelsmann (35) always suspected that if it applies, the top stars will be Lionel Messi (35) and Kylian Mbappé (24) at Paris Saint-Germain be part of the party in the Prinzenpark. Delivers the FC Bayern still off?

Within sight of the illuminated Eiffel Tower, the trainer continued to puzzle over whether he had to design a match plan for an opponent with Messi and Mbappé for the record champions’ big hit against PSG – or not.

“If both can play, they are so fit that they can hurt any team in the world,” said Nagelsmann on Monday evening.

Nevertheless, he was confident for the first part of the round of 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday (9 p.m., Amazon Prime Video) in the French capital: “I am very sure that we will play a top game.”

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The big poker for the miraculously recovered World Cup top scorer Mbappé and the world champion Messi, who also got fit in time, had not previously caused Hasan Salihamidzic (46) to boil.

The Munich sports director put on a poker face himself in a black suit when he spoke at Munich Airport. “I know what kind of players and top stars they are, but I’m concentrating on our team,” said Salihamidzic. He expects great things: “These are highlights in the life of every footballer.”

The 46-year-old made an urgent appeal to the Munich stars with four keywords and demands: “Activity, energy, aggressiveness, mentality.” You have to put all this on the pitch against the super offensive in Paris with Messi, Mbappé and of course the Brazilian Neymar (31).

Neymar meanwhile, of course, relies on the return of his superstar colleagues in Paris. “When we play as a threesome, we feel stronger,” he said.

In the Prinzenpark, which has never been a feel-good place for FC Bayern, it will be decided in advance in what splendor the second Bayern season under Julian Nagelsmann could shine – or not. The still young coach knows that he has to do a lot of things right in terms of tactics and personnel – unlike a year ago when he was knocked out in the quarter-finals against outsiders FC Villarreal.

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“For the coach, for the players, for the club – the game is very important for all of us,” said Salihamidzic.

What was before – at Bayern with the unrest about captain Manuel Neuer (36) and the dull Bochum dress rehearsal, at PSG with injured stars, defeats and a bad mood – is no longer of interest at the kick-off. After all, the premier class is the stage for which both clubs and international stars live and burn.

“All of Europe is hot for the game,” said Leon Goretzka (28) before the game. A battered Messi, a healed Mbappé, a weak Neymar? gift. PSG need their superstars – right now! “Only the Champions League counts for Paris anyway,” said the midfielder. The Qatari owners are desperate for the trophy.

Nagelsmann has other questions buzzing around in his head. What promises a good result for the second leg? Chain of three or chain of four? More compact or totally bold with the full offensive band? The 35-year-old took a very close look at the last training session in Munich.

Nagelsmann, who was in a bad mood after the safe 3-0 win over VfL Bochum, said they would be brave. “That he shows emotions, that he’s angry sometimes – that’s actually what we want,” said Salihamidzic. “He also demands these emotions from the players on the pitch.”

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The corresponding generational comparison is an attraction of the giant meeting. Messi is the “world champion, the player who shaped the world of football for 15, 20 years. The best player in the world,” Salihamidzic praised the Argentine.

It will certainly not be anything in Paris in Bochum style. The sound of the Champions League anthem should ensure a completely different level of energy on the pitch. “I hope that the excitement of the competition, the excitement of the duel, will bring freshness to your head,” said Nagelsmann. Don’t worry, Kingsley assured Coman. “It’s going to be a great game,” said Bayern’s “King”, who headed the winning goal in the final against his ex-club in the 2020 final in Lisbon.

Joshua Kimmich (28) will be back in the Munich starting XI after being suspended against Bochum. Yann Sommer (34) wants to show against Messi, Mbappé and Neymar that he is a goalkeeper at the highest Neuer level. Thomas Müller is also ready after calf problems. “We have to be there,” the leader warned clearly.

The corresponding phenomenon, that before big games injured stars are miraculously fit again, was observed on Monday at PSG. During training in sunny Paris, Messi and Mbappé ran across the lawn in a lively mood.

However, PSG coach Christophe Galtier (56) did not reveal whether Mbappé would be in the starting XI. However, he said on Monday evening: “If it’s on the match report sheet, it’s to play, not to scare Bayern.”

Paris with Messi and Mbappé is of course a different caliber than Paris without M & M. “These are two players with very special skills that make the difference. If we lose two top players, we are probably a bit weaker.”

In fact: Two years ago, when Bayern lost to PSG in the quarter-finals, Robert Lewandowski (34) was injured in the first and second leg. Incidentally, Mbappé was in the 3-2 first leg München with two hits the match winner.