Messi and Neymar did not perform says Christophe Galtier. The low block of the Rennes defense, according to PSG manager Christophe Galtier, rendered Lionel Messi and Neymar useless in the team’s 1-0 Ligue 1 loss. PSG suffered their second Ligue 1 loss of the year on Sunday at Roazhon Park (January 15). Following a lackluster first half, Renne’s captain Hamari Traore scored the game-winning goal in the 65th minute from an Adrien Trufert pass.
Messi and Neymar both started the Parisians’ away game, but they both failed to stand out against Bruno Genesio’s well-practiced 5-4-1 formation. The two South Americans combinedly made two chances, two shots, and one completed dribble.
In a post-game press conference, Galtier assessed Messi and Neymar’s underwhelming showing: “Regardless of whether Messi or Neymar are my two guys, I always have a plan. But to locate new options, you must be adaptable. Do we need to alter the strategy entirely? It needs a lot more repairing points up top, whether Leo or Ney are picking up. We had none there.”
Galtier continued by blaming his team’s lack of initiative and pressure: “In busy areas, Ney and Leo both left the group together. There were few offensive situations despite a large amount of possession. How can the low blocks be avoided? Finding percussion will require a fair balance, but it will be important. When we delivered the ball while in possession of it, we didn’t impose. We provided and continued to support.”
Galtier continued by criticizing PSG’s lack of verticality in their play: “We need to discover a vertical game since there has never been one. At some time earlier in the season, we had discovered it. We are now lacking in verticality. Once we have passed the ball, we must move more quickly. Even so, we spent a lot of tonight pushing balls.”
With 47 points from 19 games, PSG is three points clear of RC Lens in first position in Ligue 1.
Superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar of PSG want to assist the squad win many championships this year by maintaining their dominant club form. The two are expecting to shine in the UEFA Champions League in addition to being essential to their team’s bid for the Ligue 1 championship.
In 21 games for the Parisians, Messi, the 2022 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winner, scored 13 goals and provided 14 assists, while Neymar scored 15 goals and provided 13 assists in 23 games. The next game for Messi and Neymar is scheduled for Sunday at home in Ligue 1 against Reims for the Parisians on January 29.
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