Paris Saint-Germain will arrive in Doha today for their winter training camp, which will include a friendly match against Serie A leaders Inter Milan at the Jassim bin Hamad stadium on December 30.
The camp is part of PSG’s preparations for the second half of the season, the highlight of which is a  showdown with Chelsea in the Champions League. This tie will take place in February. PSG’s season is still loaded with competitions; in addition to the Champions League they are leading the French league and are still in the Cup competitions as well.
PSG manager Laurent Blanc said he was looking forward to the camp in Doha and the friendly against Inter Milan.
He expressed his belief that his side can go from strength to strength as they seek domestic and European titles. They are 19 points clear at the top in Ligue 1, while in the Champions League they face Chelsea in the final 16.  
Blanc said that training camps like the one in Doha helps increase the bond between the players, which translates to better performances on the pitch. He said the conditions, including the weather and what he said were exceptional facilities at Aspire, will help make the camp a success.
“They (the facilities at Aspire) are amazing . Everything, from sports to medical facilities, will be at our disposal. Another big advantage is the climate. It is the best possible weather to work with the squad and there is not such a big time difference between Qatar and Paris,” he said.
“We will avoid the usual endless plane journeys that you need in order to get this sort of weather. With such short tours, the time difference can be a problem, especially when you come back. But this won’t be the case for us.”
PSG captain Thiago Silva has also spoken about his keenness to make good use of the Qatar camp.
“I think it is very important for the club to go on this tour,” said Silva. “We know the owners are from Qatar, so it is very important for them and for the club. But it is a good thing to go over there, as the locals love Paris Saint-Germain and the players.”
The Brazilian added that the team’s camp in Doha last year did them a world of good during the remainder of the season.
“Last year for instance, it really helped us to go on the tour as we came back and were even better, finishing the season in the best way possible. I hope that this year, it will again be beneficial and maybe make us stronger for the Champions League.
“When we are all over there, we work really well together, we stay in an amazing hotel that gives us the best conditions to rest and recharge the batteries. It’s an advantage for the rest of the season.”