PSG on another level, admits Ranieri

Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri feels his side will need to be at a “120 per cent” to beat Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.

Ranieri’s second-placed team welcome PSG to the Stade Louis II knowing that defeat will leave them eight points adrift of the defending French champions.

Monaco earned a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in the capital but will be without star striker Radamel Falcao, who scored the equaliser in that game in September, because of a knee ligament injury.

Former Chelsea boss Ranieri conceded that Monaco are underdogs for the game, and is more focused on their performance rather than the result.

“It’s one thing to have positive thoughts, wanting to win,” Ranieri said. “But it is also important to be realistic.

“We will fight for victory, but it is important to tell the truth. PSG are on another level.

“PSG can win playing at 80 per cent, we must be at 120 per cent to win.

“What matters to me is to gain experience against a great team.

“This is a great game to play, a good opportunity to gauge our level. The result is almost secondary.”

Monaco signed Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov on the final day of the January transfer window in an attempt to fill the void left by Falcao.

And Ranieri confirmed the ex-Manchester United man will be available for selection.

“Berbatov is ready to play,” he added. “He will have a role to play on Sunday. He is a great champion.”