Lionel Messi reacts to being substituted
PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino has found himself under yet more pressure, with Lionel Messi’s entourage reportedly holding doubts over his tactical acumen and believing his gameplan is ‘too restrictive’.
Pochettino, 49, has struggled to impress in the hot seat at the Parc des Princes despite having a star-studded team at his disposal – and the mixed form of superstar Messi after his arrival from Barcelona has raised further questions over his future.
Indeed, Messi has scored just one goal in Ligue 1 this season, and his camp have now taken aim at the coach in private over the team’s failure to take the division by storm, according to L’Equipe in France.
Despite currently topping the table by 11 points, PSG have been heavily criticised for their poor, uninspiring performances. They were recently forced to settle for a draw against Lens and Nice, with Georginio Wijnaldum scoring late in the second clash.
A mouthwatering attacking trident of Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar have often failed to click and Pochettino remains on the hunt to find his ideal line-up, having not played the same starting XI more than once this campaign.
Neymar has been ruled out with a long-term injury, but there is confusion over where Mbappe and Messi will be fielded. As a result of this, and Pochettino’s shortcomings, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s entourage now harbour doubts.
The team’s style of play has also been savaged as being ‘restrictive’ – and their inability to transition to counter-attacks and get the most out of their talented forwards is another reason why former Tottenham boss Pochettino is under fire.
There are also concerns inside PSG’s dressing room that their manager is not harsh enough. Pochettino, as he has done throughout his time in the dugout over the years, has taken on a level-headed and understanding approach to his players.
Meanwhile Messi faces having his £26million luxury hotel in Spain demolished after receiving a court order.
The Argentine had bought the building, which has 77 rooms, for €30million (£26.01m), back in 2017.
The building is situated close to the beach and seafront promenade of Sitges, 40km from Barcelona.