Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has urged fans to get behind Lionel Messi after the Argentine was again jeered by a section of supporters in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Lyon.
It was a poor performance from PSG as they fell to their second consecutive home defeat in the league, with Messi attracting plenty of criticism from number of those inside Parc des Princes.
Messi has already been targeted by whistles from a section of fans who have grown tired with the uncertainty surrounding his expiring contract, and the noises could be heard once again as Lyon secured a huge victory.
After the game, Galtier leapt to the defence of Messi and was quick to remind fans that he is not the only player responsible for the team’s form.
“I find it harsh,” Galtier said after the game. “We’re just waiting for Leo and Kylian [Mbappe] to unlock the game.
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“Leo is our creator, so he tries a lot and automatically has a lot of waste, but around Leo, you need to look at the function of the players. We can’t expect everything from Leo and Kylian. Leo tried and succeeded in some things, mismatches or otherwise, but he also missed link-ups with his teammates.
“These whistles are unfair in my opinion because Messi gave a lot in the first part of the season. He’s a passer and scorer in 2023. It’s also up to the others to do more and bring more danger.”
Despite pressure from some fans to move on from Messi, Galtier seemed to suggest the Argentine will remain an integral part of his starting lineup.
“I do not share your opinion, but I let you ask your question,” the boss responded. “When you’re in a difficult period, Leo is a decisive player capable of delivering the right ball or scoring with a stroke of genius. In 2023? He scored and was decisive as well.
“I never thought of depriving myself of him. Perhaps the offensive movements should be reviewed in order to bring more presence into the opposing area.”
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