Borussia’s U19s are feverishly anticipating their UEFA Youth League round of 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain (16:00 CET on Tuesday, Brackel Youth Stadium). “There’s huge excitement for this highlight,” revealed head coach Mike Tullberg.

It will be a Herculean sporting challenge for his team. After all, PSG are the crème de la crème when it comes to European youth football. “As a coach, I have never faced such a strong junior team. For me, Paris are one of the top favourites for the title,” praised Tullberg. This international team is brimming with exceptional talents. Warren Zaire-Emery, who has only just turned 16, played alongside Lionel Messi, Neymar & Co. against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Top scorer Ilyes Housni, who has nine goals in the UEFA Youth League to date, has recently had his first taste of Ligue 1 action while Ethan Mbappé, the brother of Kylian Mbappé, has already represented the senior team too.

The French outfit stormed through the group stages and found the net nine times against Juventus alone (5-3, 4-4). Their only loss came in a 3-2 defeat against Benfica. “We’re the big underdogs. We would perhaps win one out of five matches against PSG, but we want that one game to come on Tuesday,” said a bullish Tullberg, who subsequently recalled some of the great feats accomplished by his charges on the international stage. “Hardly anyone believed that we would prevail in Amsterdam or Manchester. We’ve managed to pull off one or two surprises this season too.”

Captain Nnamdi Collins is suspended

The team have processed the “minor disappointment about the late equaliser in the table-topping Bundesliga clash with Cologne”, with their minds now clear to face the French. The Black & Yellows will be without their captain and outstanding defender for this knockout match. Nnamdi Collins picked up his second booking in the 2-1 win at Hibernian in the play-off round and must serve his suspension on Tuesday. It is expected that Farouk Cisse will line up alongside Filippo Mane at the heart of defence. “I may change everything tactically,” said Tullberg, keeping his cards close to his chest. The squad will be bolstered by U23 players Silas Ostrzinski, Prince Aning, Göktan Gürpüz and former PSG man Abdoulaye Kamara.

“We’ll give it everything and invest heart and passion,” assured Mike Tullberg, who is hoping that many fans will show their support at BVB’s Youth Stadium. If the Black & Yellows eliminate PSG to reach the quarter-finals, the winner of the tie between Hajduk Split and Manchester City will be up next. In another home game.

You’ll find all the info about visiting the stadium here! The match will also be broadcast live on BVB-TV from 15:55 CET.

(wiwi)