PARIS -- Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery has said none of his players "think it will be easy" against FC Basel in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Emery warned that the Swiss champions would present a "tough challenge" and were "highly motivated."
Speaking at his prematch news conference at Parc des Princes, he said: "The Champions League is the best club competition in the world. Every team playing here has earned their place.
"All of us know we are in for a tough game. We must play with personality and not forget we are at home. I want intensity and quality."
Emery said the French champions were targeting top spot in Group A but recognised that Basel are "highly competitive and used to winning."
"We will be at home in front of our supporters and for me, it is important for us to take all three points but also to play well," he added. "Basel are a team with a lot of international players, experienced figures.
"I have plenty of respect for them and I am motivated for us to put in a good performance. My philosophy is to win with a team possessing a lot of personality."
Emery said there was "room for improvement" but pointed out a number of victories in "difficult circumstances."
"Recently, of course we can play better," he said. "However, we have shown other things in difficult circumstances to ensure victory.
"Things are changing quickly. One month ago, [Edinson] Cavani was not scoring goals. Now we are all very happy with his performances. Some players are resting today but I am calm, I have confidence in them."
PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi feels the French champions are "moving in the right direction" but said he wanted to see confidence grow even more in the coming weeks.
"Our job is to give it everything and try to play our game," he said. "Sometimes our opponents put us in difficulty and oblige us to defend well.
"We must continue like this -- we are going in the right direction. We are in October and our confidence will grow with good results. That will help us grow."