The ninth defeat this season for the Parisians, Sunday against Lorient (1-3), came to disturb an already complicated end to the season. After three sluggish successes, Paris plunges again. Five games from the end, the atmosphere around the first team is not ideal. Between players who sometimes seem lost and a staff who have the greatest difficulty in straightening the bar.
Last week, the PSG players were able to benefit from three and a half days of rest before facing Lorient. A gift that followed a not really convincing success against Angers (2-1), last in the championship. Before leaving for the long weekend, the Parisians had heard the words of Christophe Galtier who was once again trying to remobilize his troops. The 56-year-old technician notably insisted on the fact that it was necessary to show a new face. In retrospect, and after the defeat against Lorient on Sunday (1-3), the gap between the coach’s minimalist communication with his group and the result on the pitch is striking.
Between the many days of rest granted since the beginning of the year in a delicate context, the training sessions not always at the level hoped for by some, the criticisms which often come from within are often shared by those who gravitate around the club. A form of relaxation in the face of a disappointing end to the season was also noted by regulars at Camp des Loges.
In the wake of the poor performance against Lorient, Christophe Galtier did not speak in the locker room even if his disappointment tinged with anger was visible. The speeches of Marquinhos and Luis Campos were noticed. The Brazilian extended at the club. It’s been done for several days. This week at the training center, he held in his hands a minted jersey from the year 2027 as he sneaked out of a room at Camp des Loges. Photos, communication, everything is ready to announce the news. For his part, the Portuguese sports adviser asked for a reaction. The end of the season, against affordable opponents for Paris (Troyes, Ajaccio, Auxerre, Strasbourg, Clermont) will allow to assess the capacities of a PSG which will be expected as much on the game as on the result.
Galtier regrets the lack of competition, Messi in Saudi Arabia
To prepare for the next meeting at the Aube stadium (Sunday, 8:45 p.m.) and digest this new disillusion as quickly as possible, Christophe Galtier has decided to summon his players this Monday morning for a training session based on recovery. With the holders of the day before in the room, and those who had little or no playing time on the ground. Like last week, he preferred to speak the day after the match. To avoid a hot reaction in front of his group? It’s a hypothesis.
In any case, the coach pointed out the shortcomings of his players who did not make the effort against the Hakes. Christophe Galtier also underlined a lack of commitment to training which translates into the field at the weekend. Finally, the technician also regretted the lack of competition, a stone in the busy garden of those who play very little. Words that have not failed to cringe. Overall among players, attention was not at its peak. Some wondered after the defeat against Lorient if the Parisians had let go of their coach. The body language of several elements of the group allows the question to be left unanswered.
Nuno Mendes, out on injury, was missing on Monday. At the club we fear a relapse. Lionel Messi, on the other hand, traveled to Saudi Arabia as part of his partnership with the country, which came as a surprise to those who were unaware at his teammates. Even if it was planned, the timing of this trip raises questions for a player who is certainly exceptional but whose performance has not been at the level for a few games. In addition, at 35, his ability to recover raises questions. He was already in Barcelona last week to spend a few days with his family.