Jesse Marsch predicts Newcastle and AC Milan to outshine PSG in qualification

Jesse Marsch predicts that Newcastle United and AC Milan will advance from the Champions League's 'Group of Death' despite tough competition.

Jesse Marsch, the former Leeds United manager, is confident that both Newcastle United and AC Milan will advance from the highly competitive 'Group of Death' in the Champions League. The group's opening draw at the San Siro between Newcastle and AC Milan has led Marsch to believe that these two teams have what it takes to progress. Paris Saint-Germain currently leads Group F after a convincing victory over Borussia Dortmund, but Marsch believes that the French champions are facing some internal challenges.

Newcastle showed great resilience in their first Champions League match in 20 years, earning a hard-fought point thanks to goalkeeper Nick Pope's heroics. The Magpies struggled to create chances throughout the game but managed to register their first and only shot on target in added time. Sean Longstaff's powerful strike was brilliantly saved by the opposition goalkeeper, denying Newcastle a late winner.

Newcastle's first European match at St James' Park in a decade will be against Paris Saint-Germain on October 4. The French side, led by the talented Kylian Mbappe, has already made an impact in the competition with a penalty goal against Borussia Dortmund. Marsch believes that the teams advancing to the knockout stages will need to perform exceptionally well in all six matches. He is confident that Eddie Howe's Newcastle and AC Milan will secure their spots in the last 16.

When asked about his Group F prediction, Marsch responded to pundit Micah Richards, saying, "I'll go with Newcastle and Milan. PSG has had a tough start to the year and seems to be in a bit of turmoil, although they are still a formidable team. Dortmund, on the other hand, can be a force to be reckoned with on any given day. It's a difficult decision, Micah, putting me on the spot!"

Marsch has previously acknowledged the challenges Newcastle faces in this group. He stated, "This is undoubtedly the toughest group. When you consider the quality of these four teams, whoever emerges will have to perform exceptionally well in all six matches and also rely on some luck along the way. Every home match will be crucial for Newcastle to secure three points. Playing at home should give them the confidence that they can win all of their home matches."

In summary, Jesse Marsch is optimistic about Newcastle United and AC Milan's chances of progressing from the 'Group of Death' in the Champions League. He believes that Paris Saint-Germain's current struggles and the potential of Borussia Dortmund make the group highly competitive. Marsch emphasizes the importance of performing well in all six matches and acknowledges the significance of home matches for Newcastle.