UWCL: Jennifer Echegini believes ‘anything can happen’ ahead of PSG clash with Bayern Munich

UWCL: Jennifer Echegini believes ‘anything can happen’ ahead of PSG clash with Bayern Munich On Tuesday, Paris Saint-Germain will be back in UEFA Women’s Champions League action as they are set to host German champions Bayern Munich . Nigerian midfielder Jennifer Echegini believes her side have shifted mentally ahead of European clashes. Ahead of Tuesday night’s fixture, PSG’s Echegini insists her side have no reason to fear Bayern Munich as they prepare for a crucial European encounter at the Parc des Princes. The French side welcome the German champions with both teams level on five points after three matches, making the meeting an important opportunity to strengthen their position in the race for the knockout stages. PSG have made a more encouraging start to this season’s competition after missing out on the knockout phase last term, and Echegini believes a change in mentality has been central to their improvement. Having already drawn with Real Madrid and Manchester City, alongside a convincing victory over OH Leuven, the midfielder is confident her side can compete with Europe’s established contenders. Embed from Getty Images “I feel like the midfield battle is going to be interesting,” she said. “I think solely because that’s my position, but I think in general those teams are two big teams. So it’s going to be a battle all over the pitch. “It’s important to continue believing and acknowledge the fact that getting there takes time. It’s not something that’s done overnight. So, continue believing in the process, the programme, believing in your teammates, believing in the coaches, and working hard together every day in training, and showing that once it comes on game day as well.” How did PSG do in the UWCL last season? Last season proved a difficult European campaign for PSG, who suffered four consecutive defeats in the league phase, including a 3-1 home loss to Bayern. However, Echegini believes the experience has provided the squad with an important perspective as they look to make a stronger impression this time around. “Last year was a bit difficult for us, we didn’t do as well as we would like to,” she admitted. “So I think this year was more sort of a second chance, realising how much it kind of hurts being out the league phase and trying to do as much as we can now to make sure that doesn’t happen again. “Just appreciating every game and giving everything and walking away from the field knowing we’ve given 100 percent.” Embed from Getty Images The Nigerian international believes the main difference from last season’s disappointing campaign has been a collective mental shift, with the squad showing greater resilience and determination throughout their European fixtures. That improvement was particularly evident against Man City, with the Parisian side absorbing constant pressure before securing a late equaliser in the closing stages. Speaking on that dramatic fixture, Echegini suggested that their response highlighted how far the team had progressed mentally, adding: “I feel like if that had been maybe last year, we would have maybe psyched out mentally. “So I feel like it’s more of a mental shift that has allowed us to fight more and be more present in those games for the duration of the 90 minutes.” The 25-year-old believes this change begins with the players but acknowledges that ‘everybody’ involved in the team plays their part. Looking ahead to Bayern fixture Bayern represent another significant test for PSG, with the German side having established themselves as consistent contenders in the UWCL. They reached the semi-finals of last year’s competition, before eventually falling short to eventual champions FC Barcelona with an aggregate score of 5-3. Echegini acknowledges the experience and quality within their opponents’ squad but believes PSG possess the ability to match them across the pitch. Despite losing to Bayern last season, the midfielder is urging her teammates to approach the contest with confidence rather than dwelling on last year’s defeat. Embed from Getty Images “I feel like there’s no reason going into the next game, thinking that we can’t beat them,” she said. “I think it’s important to continue with the energy that we had in the last games and continue to fight. And Bayern’s a big team — they’ve been consistent for years.” The midfielder also highlighted the importance of remaining positive against a side capable of punishing any slight hesitation or pouncing on mistakes. “It’s easy to go into the game and almost be afraid and almost kind of want to sit back and let them play because you know, kind of you’re afraid to attack them. But I feel like it’s almost what we shouldn’t do. Respect to Bayern, but I feel like it shows when you are confident and you fight as a team that anything can happen.” With both points having taken five points from their opening three fixtures, Tuesday’s encounter could prove an important indicator of their ambitions for the remainder of the league phase. Echegini embracing leadership responsibilities Tuesday’s fixture will also represent another opportunity for Echegini to demonstrate her growing influence within this new-look PSG squad. Now in her third season in Paris, the midfielder has witnessed experienced players depart while a younger generation continues to establish itself within the first team. Embed from Getty Images At 25, she’s increasingly found herself among the more senior members of the dressing room and recognises the responsibility that comes with that position. Despite PSG’s encouraging start, she acknowledges that Bayern may have the upper-hand when it comes to European experience. Although, she believes there is little to separate the sides in terms of quality. “The main threat, I feel like Bayern are very experienced, and they have a lot of quality all over the pitch. I feel like we might lack experience because we do have a younger team, but we have the same quality, in my opinion,” she said. “I feel like they’re a threat all over the field, but I think we are as well. So it’s gonna be a very, very 50-50 game, to be honest.” PSG’s youth is reflected throughout their attacking options, with goals shared between several players during their European campaign so far. This includes Tara Elimbi, the 21-year-old who scored the late equaliser against Manchester City. Beyond Elimbi, four other attackers have found themselves on the scoresheet in the league phase giving the French side a variety of threats rather than relying on a single attacking outlet. Embed from Getty Images “It’s important to have different attacking threats, so you don’t become predictable,” Echegini explained. “If you have one goal scorer that you rely on, it makes it really difficult to win games like that because they could really mark out that specific player. “So it’s important to have other players who can create opportunities or score goals.” PSG’s experienced backline While PSG’s attacking depth offers encouragement, Echegini also highlighted the importance of experience at the opposite end of the pitch. Griedge Mbock and Paulina Dudek are among the defensive mainstays who she believes have a significant role in guiding the younger members of the squad. She credited their communication and European pedigree with having helped the side navigate difficult moments. Embed from Getty Images “I feel like a lot of the communication mainly comes from the back because the backline tends to see a bit more,” she said. “They are the players you want to listen to, you know, because they’ve played those games. They know what to do in certain moments and they know what to do when it’s difficult.” For Echegini, having those experienced players at their disposal is crucial, particularly when PSG face the demands of Europe’s biggest fixtures. A European night to embrace at the Parc des Princes PSG will have the added motivation of playing at the Parc des Princes, where Echegini believes the atmosphere brings an extra level of excitement which ‘can’t be compared to a normal game’. The midfielder has already experienced playing at the historic stadium but insists there is something different about stepping onto the pitch under the lights for a UWCL fixture. “The stadium has a lot of history and the men are doing really well there. So when you when you step on the field, it comes with a standard almost like, ‘I wouldn’t want to leave that stadium with a with a poor game with a poor result’. “It would kind of hurt us and the team. We know what it takes to play at Parc des Princes, and we always and we also want to continue to play more games. But that comes with results as well.” Embed from Getty Images PSG’s ambition is to continue earning the opportunity to play more European fixtures at the venue in a tournament which continues to give the Nigerian ‘goosebumps’. “I’m always excited to play football, but it’s almost like an honourable excitement to play in the Champions League. It’s the dream I would say for most footballers, and I think we almost don’t realise how privileged we are. How lucky we are to be able to play in a Champions League game, or even start and play significant minutes in these games.” With Chelsea awaiting them after Tuesday’s clash, November represents a significant challenge to prove their worth on the European stage. Where can I watch the UEFA Women’s Champions League? PSG will continue their Champions League campaign as they host German champions Bayern Munich on Tuesday 10th November. Kick-off is at 20:00 (GMT). Viewers can watch every UWCL match live on  Disney+  as part of existing customer subscriptions. For more information on UWCL viewing rights, follow the UEFA website for guidance. Related articles from Her Football Hub: UWCL: Bayern Munich captain Glódís Viggósdóttir still gets ‘butterflies’ ahead of PSG clash Suwen Süper Lig results: Galatasaray go top as Fenerbahçe’s eight-goal response sets up derby week Arkema Première Ligue week 7 results: Montpellier stun Lyon before second half collapse, no winner in Paris derby