'We will not adapt to stop Messi' - Ancelotti

Posted Tuesday, April 02, 2013 by Goal.com

The Italian coach says he is focused on preparing for the tie as a whole and will not be changing the way his side plays to thwart individual players

Carlo Ancelotti insists Paris Saint-Germain are not preparing a special gameplan to keep Lionel Messi at bay ahead of the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Barcelona on Tuesday.

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.

He said: "We are focused on our own game and the match itself, not individual opponents. 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 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."