Lionel Messi did not have a good performance in the defeat of Paris against Rennes. (AFP)
Whistles to Lionel Messi in the Parc des Princes, seven defeats in 2023 and the infirmary full… Paris Saint-Germain faces an end to the season in free fall, despite being the leader of the French championship with seven points over the Marseilles.
After a promising first part of the season, the team led by Christopher Galtier It has collapsed after the World Cup, culminating its crisis with the elimination in the Champions League round of 16 against Bayern Munich (1-0 and 2-0).
Galtier loses the compass
The DT changed the tactic, returning to the defense of three for which he had opted at the beginning of the course. Even against Rennes four central defenders appeared in his rear.
Galtier is not looking for “excuses”, but rather “explanations”, pointing to the eight injured absent on Sunday in the 2-0 loss against Rennes, including props Marquinhos, Sergio Ramos, Presnel Kimpembe and Neymar.
The Parisian club did not like the coach to point out the mistakes of the youngsters on the squad and protect veterans like Marco Verratti, disappointing in big moments.
Messi, away from the public
After winning the World Cup with Argentina, Lionel Messi has not been able to maintain the level with PSGwhich has caused his distance from the public.
Some whistles accompanied his name on Sunday when they announced the lineups in the Parque de los Príncipes and in various actions of a disappointing performance.
‘La Pulga’ returned to the locker room alone while his teammates thanked the fans for their support.
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Three months after turning 36, the world champion he has not renewed his contract end of this course. Among the destinations he manages, according to the press, a return to Barcelonafollow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia or a ‘golden retreat’ in Miami.
Even the club, which at first seemed convinced to renew it, now doubts whether it is worth making an investment of this size for a player who has not been decisive at key moments.
Mbappé and the temptation to leave
With Messi more outside than inside and neymar injured for the remainder of the season, the project would finally focus on kylian mbappe.
The record-seeking star risks losing patience with a team unable to carry out a true rebuild. “Our maximum is this,” he declared after the hard elimination against Bayern, with PSG far from really fighting for the pass to the quarterfinals.
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The idol of the Parc des Princes has one year left on his contract, but management has to convince him that it is possible to win the Champions League in the French capital. If he doesn’t renew, he will be free in 2024.
an address surpassed
The images of louis fieldsfootball manager, and Nasser Al-Khelaifipresident of the club, devastated in the box during the defeat against Rennes ran through social networks.
Neither of them wanted to attend the press to take stock of the situation. And once again it was Galtier who responded to Messi’s alleged abandonment of training last week. The technician argued that he had some discomfort.
Can you lose the title?
Also eliminated in the round of 16 of the Cup by its great rival, Marseille, PSG only has to fight for Ligue 1.
They have a sufficient margin, seven points, but there are 10 games left to play, the next three against tough rivals like Lyon, Nice and Lens. If the disconnection continues, Marseille is on the lookout.
