Ancelotti: PSG not focused on Messi

Carlo Ancelotti insists Paris Saint-Germain are not preparing a special game plan to keep Lionel Messi at bay.

PSG and Barcelona clash in Paris in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday but Ancelotti has denied he is singling out the super striker for special treatment.

The Argentine,- who broke another record on Saturday by netting in his 19th successive Liga game, has scored 56 goals in all competitions this season, including seven in the Champions League.

But Ancelotti, speaking to reporters at a press conference on the eve of the clash, says PSG will not tweak their system in a bid to silence the forward.

“We are focused on our own game and the match itself, not individual opponents,” he said.

“The tactical approach does not change depending on a player or not. Our approach will be the same.”

The Italian then suggested the Catalans will face an equally difficult test in trying to keep Zlatan Ibrahimovic quiet, with the Sweden international enjoying a prolific season of his own, having netted 33 times in 39 games in all competitions.

“You could also ask the question how will Barca stop Ibrahimovic? It will be very difficult for the Barca players,” he added.

The 53-year-old also acknowledged the impact finances have had in establishing les Parisiens as one of Europe’s elite clubs.

Ancelotti continued: “I think it is simple. The club needed to invest in order to be competitive. I do not know how far we can go, but we are already very happy to be in the quarter-finals.

“I think the club has done a good job to ensure that this team can compete with the best in Europe.”