Fans of the top French football club Paris Saint-Germain have not forgiven individual players for losing the Champions League against Real Madrid during the week. In the 3-0 (1-0) in the Ligue 1 league game against Girondins Bordeaux on Sunday afternoon, only the local world champion Kylian Mbappé, scorer of the capital club in the 1: 3 with the royals, was greeted with applause. On the other hand, Lionel Messi and Neymar had to make the unusual experience of a whistle concert from their own supporters, sometimes with every ball contact.
For PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was also given loud expressions of displeasure, “sadness” was “the only right word” to describe his feelings after the final whistle: “Sadness about having to experience such an afternoon in the Prinzenpark.” Dealing with Messi and Neymar in particular “affects us all,” continued the Argentine, defending his exceptional players: “We are all responsible together.”
Mbappé scored the opening goal (24th) and set the course for victory. Neymar (52nd) and Leandro Paredes (61st) ensured the final score. PSG ultras had demanded the resignation of club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi on Saturday after another early exit in the premier class. The Collectif Ultras Paris (CUP) association called on social media supporters of the French runners-up to “show our dissatisfaction – but without violence” in the home game against Girondins.
For the fourth time in the past six years, PSG had already failed in the round of 16 of the premier class. The club owe their return to the highest level to the Qatari financier, the association wrote, “but it is clear that he is not the right man for the job”. The current situation requires “a complete restructuring at all levels,” according to the demand.
Chelsea wins late
Kai Havertz gave turbulent Chelsea FC a home win in the Premier League with a late goal. The German national soccer player scored in the 89th minute on Sunday to the hard-earned 1-0 (0-0) against Newcastle United. The Champions League winner and club world champion, coached by German coach Thomas Tuchel, remains third in the English football championship, ten points behind leaders Manchester City, who only play this Monday, and seven behind second-placed Liverpool FC.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been hit by UK government sanctions, which are also having an impact on the club. It is possible that top performers like Antonio Rüdiger will leave at the end of the season. Tuchel included central defender Rüdiger in the starting line-up, as did German national team colleagues Havertz and Timo Werner.
Attacker Werner had to make way for Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku after a good hour. However, Havertz scored the goal and almost made it 2-0 in injury time. It was the first defeat in the league this year for Newcastle, who were once deep in the relegation battle.
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