CNN
—
Paris Saint-Germain’s depressing season went from unhealthy to worse on Sunday because the staff suffered a second straight dwelling defeat with a 1-0 loss to Lyon.
Even earlier than the sport kicked off, Lionel Messi bore the brunt of the frustrations of some PSG followers who whistled when his identify appeared on the large display in the course of the announcement of the beginning lineup.
After Alexadre Lacazette missed a first-half penalty, Bradley Barcola’s purpose 10 minutes into the second interval was sufficient to earn Lyon the three factors on an evening that PSG not often appeared like threatening the visiting purpose.
Lens’ 1-0 victory over Rennes and Marseille’s 1-1 draw with Montepellier means each groups are actually simply six factors behind PSG on the prime of Ligue 1, and even the home title could slip from the staff’s grasp.
The response of some followers on Sunday should have felt a world away from the adulation and worship Messi acquired throughout his latest return to Argentina for friendlies towards Panama and Curaçao because the nation continued its World Cup celebrations.
Messi’s arrival on the Parc des Princes was purported to be the lacking piece that might assist PSG lastly win the Champions League, the trophy the membership’s Qatari homeowners crave essentially the most.
So far, the one main trophy the staff has received since Messi joined was Ligue 1 final season, a title – it’s truthful to say – PSG would probably have received with out him.
Messi has 34 purpose contributions in all competitions for PSG this season – 18 objectives and 17 assists – second solely to Mbappé’s 38 and head coach Christophe Galtier refused to put the blame for the staff’s failures on the Argentine’s ft.
“I discovered it [the jeering] onerous to take heed to,” Galtier informed reporters, per the Athletic. “There could also be expectations for Messi and Mbappe to unlock troublesome conditions. Messi tries very onerous, they didn’t all work out; however round him, the opposite gamers additionally must do their jobs.”
“We can’t anticipate every part from Leo and Kylian,” he added.
Up subsequent for PSG is a season-defining week as Galtier’s aspect travels to a Nice staff that’s unbeaten in 13 matches, earlier than internet hosting Lens on the Parc des Princes.
PSG has misplaced two of its three matches since being dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich final month, and solely limped previous relegation-threatened Brest with a ninetieth minute Kylian Mbappé winner.
After his staff’s victory, Lyon head coach Laurent Blanc mentioned the Champions League or bust mentality has been detrimental to PSG’s performances.
“Paris’ drawback is when the No. 1 goal of the Champions League is now not accessible, evidently the season now not exists – and in any respect ranges,” he informed reporters.
