Blanc says PSG more motivated for Champions League than Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc believes his side are more motivated for Champions League matches than they are in Ligue 1.
The French champions came from behind to beat Lorient at the weekend but their head coach was scathing of their performance during the first half at Le Moustoir.
A late goal from Edinson Cavani gave PSG a 1-0 win in Cyprus against APOEL on matchday three to leave them on the brink of reaching the knockout phase of the competition ahead of Wednesday's meeting at Parc des Princes.
And while Blanc has warned of the danger posed by the Cypriot champions counterattacking style, he admits his side appear more motivated when playing in Europe and is hoping for an improved performance.
"We had a really bad first half against Lorient. But it happened last season too. The Champions League is a different competition," he told reporters.
"I'm not saying we're not motivated for the league games but we're more motivated for the Champions League.
"APOEL are a good team. Even Barcelona struggled against them. They sit deep and are very good on the counter. If we can't score early in the game, we'll have trouble beating that team."
PSG are still without Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to a heel injury, yet Blanc was not surprised to see the Sweden star called up to his national squad for the up-coming internationals despite having been out for over a month.
"We miss only one thing: Ibrahimovic. I'm not surprised Sweden's national team coach called-up Ibrahimovic. When you have the possibility to count on such a guy, you try your luck."
Blanc also offered words of support to former assistant Claude Makelele, who left Bastia as head coach this month, though he refused to be drawn on whether the ex-Chelsea midfielder could return to the capital club's staff.
"I want to say a word for Claude Makelele. My thoughts are with him," he added.
"Let him be, let him come to terms with what's happening to him. It's not that easy. I just wanted to have a word for him. Our thoughts are with him. Today, I can't answer that question [if he could return]."
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