03 October 2023 , 15:26
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Oliver Giroud has warned AC Milan will have to better their Newcastle performance to get through the Group of Death.
Milan travel to Borussia Dortmund in Group F while Newcastle entertain Paris Saint Germain at St James' Park in what looks to be comfortably the toughest passage into the Champions League knock-out stages. Both games take place on Wednesday evening.
Newcastle bravely held on for a goalless draw in the San Siro and Giroud, 37, has warned they must improve and get a result in Dortmund. Milan have already given themselves an uphill struggle after failing to beat Newcastle, but former Chelsea and Arsenal striker Giroud insists they are a better team than last year and have a good blend of players.
Giroud, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, said: "We want to do well in this second Champions League match, to do better than what we did against Newcastle. It won’t be a decisive match, but it will be very important.
"We have changed many players and strengthened the team, we want to play in both competitions, the Champions League and the league, in a great way. We have more quality than last year. We must have the mix of youth and experience, we have it and this gives us confidence."
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Giroud remains a key player for Milan and has already enjoyed an incredible career for his clubs and country. His current contract expires next summer. The veteran striker admits he wants to score more goals, but is as happy as he has ever been at Milan.
Giroud added: "I’m not thinking about it at the moment, I’m focused on this year to do well for Milan. I’m always happy to be here, I’ve been since day one. Personally, I want to do more and more for the team. I miss scoring a bit and I hope to do it soon."
Giroud failed to score against Newcastle at the San Siro (Getty Images)Who do you think will progress from the Champions League's 'Group of Death'? Let us know in the comments below!
PSG are the favourites to beat Newcastle at St James' Park, with the great Kylian Mbappe leading the French side's attack. Yet former Chelsea and Scotland winger Pat Nevin is confident Eddie Howe's men can pull off a famous European triumph.
Newcastle have recorded some impressive victories in recent weeks. They've won their last three Premier League games - beating Sheffield United 8-0 at Bramall Lane - and knocked Treble-winning Manchester City out of the Carabao Cup.
"When Kylian Mbappe runs out to be hit by that wall of noise on Wednesday, it will underline that Newcastle are finally dining at the very top table and looking very comfortable there," Nevin told BBC Sport. "I just hope Eddie Howe stays fearless.
"Among the biggest strengths of the Premier League is its pace and intensity. This is not the time to be too cautious. This is the time for a hard, working-class, northern English welcome - to find out if the French aristocrats are up for the fight."