PSG’s Donnarumma backed to ‘stay focused’ in hot reception

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique wants his side to channel a hostile atmosphere into a positive performance against AC Milan on Tuesday night, as he played down concerns about a heated reception for returning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Donnarumma will face AC Milan at the San Siro for the first time since his controversial departure for Paris Saint-Germain two years ago. The 24-year-old made more than 250 appearances for Milan, where he made his senior debut at just 16, but refused to sign a new contract and walked away on a free transfer.

He is likely to face a backlash from the home supporters but his coach, speaking ahead of the Champions League group-stage tie, is confident that Donnarumma can remain focused on the task at hand, and has said they have not discussed his return in any depth.

“Well, we have had more jokes than we have spoken about it,” said Luis Enrique. “This is normal in football... I don’t think Gigio is worried. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He has so much experience and I know that he will be 100 focused on the game. There is no doubt about that.”