The PSG boss was full of praise for their UEFA Champions League quarter final opponents in his pre-match press conference in Paris.
Blanc also revealed that Angel Di Maria has shaken off a muscle injury and is 100% fit to take part in Wednesday night’s first leg but Marco Verratti and Javier Pastore are definitely out.
“You say it is an easy draw but it is not,” Blanc told journalists.
“People saying that know nothing about football. They have some great individual players and tomorrow you will see some real quality on the field.
“I do not know if it is an advantage or an inconvenience to host the first match but we must not concede goals.
“It will be a great match, with great intensity. We have prepared ourselves for two very difficult and delicate matches. And very tight ones.
“The only two players who are not available are Verratti and Pastore. Di Maria is in great form after his knock to the tibia.”
Blanc represented Manchester United in the latter stages of his playing career.
The former French international has fond recollections of these times and pointed out that, although City have made the quarter finals of the Champions League for the first time in history this season, they are a club with a glorious history.
“I have excellent memories of Manchester but for me they were red memories and we are against a team in light blue,” Blanc smiled.
“Manchester City was also a great club in the 70’s, let’s not forget that! Their style of play does not suit us because they play like us. They want control of the game and that’s the key.
“Aguero is capable to adapt to the style of any team and of course he scores goals. De Bruyne is a dangerous player with quality. We will have to watch out for him.”
Brazilian defender Maxwell also faced the media in Paris on Tuesday afternoon and shared his manager’s caution about this last eight encounter.
The full-back was especially effusive in his praise for fellow South American Sergio Aguero, who he compared to legendary Brazilian striker Romario.
“Aguero is magnificent, I love him as a player,” Maxwell said.
“He’s like Romario from Brazil, we must not give him any space. We want to go through; we will do everything to qualify.
“In a match like this, it’s dangerous to be optimistic. We must remain grounded.”
City’s press conference takes place at 6.30pm UK time – we’ll bring you live updates from Paris over @MCFC.
