Maxwell: Chelsea are a more difficult proposition under Hiddink than Mourinho

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Maxwell: Chelsea are a more difficult proposition under Hiddink than Mourinho - The Brazilian says neither team will consider themselves favourites ahead of the tie but is looking forward to facing the Blues again after knocking them out last season.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Maxwell believes Chelsea are a more difficult proposition under new coach Guus Hiddink than former boss Jose Mourinho.

The two sides are set to meet again in the Champions League with the Blues seeking revenge having been dumped out of the competition by PSG at the same stage last season.

Maxwell insists that while both teams know each other well his men are expecting a tougher challenge with Hiddink now in charge at Stamford Bridge.

"The opinion of people doesn’t matter," he told Goal when asked if PSG considered themselves favourites. "We’ve never felt inferior or superior to anyone.

"When you’re against a club like Chelsea, there are no favourites, there are just 22 players who want to do battle on the field to try and progress.

"We know Chelsea well, and like us they have not changed much. It will be very difficult, particularly since they have changed manager.

"Chelsea have more enthusiasm. There will be two fantastic matches to play in, to watch or to commentate on... but we want to continue our adventure."

Laurent Blanc’s side made it to the quarter-final stage last season where they lost to eventual winners Barcelona 5-1 on aggregate but Maxwell feels they have learnt from the experience.

"We have the experience of the last three seasons, which will help us a great deal. We’ve played Barcelona, the best team in Europe, several times," he added.

"We more or less know all the players and teams in Europe... we know our qualities. It’s always difficult because there are many things that can happen in a match like that.

"But he have qualities, ambition and confidence, which makes us stronger this year.

"This doesn’t matter, we must still work and be organised in matches like this. We have to give the club everything that it wants."

PSG are currently on a record 34-match unbeaten run in Ligue 1 and Maxwell says maintaining the same philosophy of play is a key part of their fine form.

"It’s important but it’s important to be able to adapt to your opponent, too," he added.

"We have a philosophy that we keep. We have player who allow us to play this type of game. Why change?"

Former Chelsea defender David Luiz has recently said he would like to see Diego Costa at Parc des Princes, but Maxwell was rather coy when asked which Blues player he would sign for PSG.

"I think it would be a lack of respect towards my team-mates if I respond to that question," he explained.

"We have players of quality, with youngsters who are here to progress. Chelsea also have great players but we’re content with our squad."

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