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Saturday 7 March 2015

Blanc: Ibrahimovic has to score more for PSG, complacency is not welcomed

The Swede has managed just two goals in his last seven outings, so his coach wants him to up his game ahead of Tuesday's Champions League showdown with Chelsea
Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has called on Zlatan Ibrahimovic to start scoring more goals.

The Sweden international, who will return from a two-game suspension in Saturday's Ligue 1 meeting with Lens at the Parc des Princes, has netted just twice in his last seven outings in all competitions.

With PSG needing to score at Chelsea in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at Stamford Bridge, after a 1-1 draw in France three weeks ago, Blanc says now is the time for Ibrahimovic to stand up and be counted. 

"Ibra isn't a young boy," the PSG coach told reporters on Friday. "He is 33. 
"Against Chelsea, he will have the same pressure on him as the whole team. 
"He must score more because that's his role in the team. 

"But he worked well during his two-match suspension. It's a good thing for him to return this weekend because he needs a competitive match before the game against Chelsea."
While Ibrahimovic is certain to start in west London, Blanc admitted that he has yet to decide whether Ezequiel Lavezzi or Javier Pastore will feature from the first whistle.

"To decide which players will play against Chelsea, form will count," the World Cup winner added.
"Between Lavezzi and Pastore, their effectiveness will be important. One is a playmaker, the other is an striker. 
"They haven't the same profile, but they must be more effective."
Thiago Motta, though, looks set to slot back into the PSG midfield after missing the first leg at the Parc des Princes through injury.

"It makes us feel good to have him available again," he stated. " Motta is over the injury now and we know well what he can give to the team.
"However, we will be attentive to his physical condition. He hasn’t played for three weeks, so we need to monitor him.
"We have to be calm in general. It's an important game, we are in a unfavourable position but we will go all out for qualification.
"However, if we aren’t calm, we will miss out."

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