PSG coach: We are ready for Real Madrid

There is great optimism within the PSG camp, after the French side were drawn with Real Madrid in the last 16 of this season's Champions League.

A pairing that could pass for the final or semi-finals, one of the two teams will exit the competition at the second round. While a number of teams may want to avoid Real Madrid at this stage of the competition, PSG coach Unai Emery is happy with the draw.

I'm happy. We want to play the biggest matches possible. Two contenders for the title will be facing off and football fans everywhere want to watch matches like that.

He told the club's website after the draws.

We want matches of this calibre. Real have won the last two Champions League titles. They have a huge history. The team is ready. We will show that we’re on par with the teams who win the competition.

The PSG manager also described Zidane as the best coach Real Madrid could have now.

Zinédine Zidane? He had an amazing career as a player and now he's doing the same as a coach. He is the best coach that Real could have right now.

Paris Saint-Germain chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi also reacted to the draw on the club's website. He accorded respect to Real Madrid, and is optimistic the French side will be ready for the Los Blancos

We have big respect for Real Madrid. It will be two great matches. The fans will have magic football moments away and at the Parc des Princes. As I always say, we need to be ready to play all the teams and we will be ready.'

Real Madrid have won the Champions League back to back under Zidane and thrice in the last four years. The Los Blancos have however struggled domestically this season, and are currently fourth on the La Liga table. In contrast to their domestic form, Zidane's men have been impressive so far on the European front.

Zidane will hope to have the attacking trio of Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema ready for this tie.  Bale has rarely been available for selection this season due to injuries.

PSG boast of one of the most expensive attack in Europe this season. Former Barcelona star and world most expensive footballer Neymar will be under the spotlight for this tie. The Brazilian has faced Real Madrid very well in El-clasicos while at Barcelona. The likes of Mbappe and Cavani will also be key for PSG coming into these games.

The price tags of attacking players that should feature in this tie makes it a big money clash.

Real Madrid will host the first leg on February 14 at the Bernabeu, with the second leg billed for Parc des Princes in France on March 6.