Lionel Messi, 34, suffered his first loss as a PSG player as Ligue 1 leaders failed to register a shot on target in a 2-0 defeat to Rennes on Sunday.
A little about the topic
Lionel returned to starting XI Paris Saint-Germain after his match turn in their 2-0 win over Man City in the Champions League last week, during which he recorded his first goal for the club since signing a free transfer after his starting from Barcelona. The 34-year-old has failed to make the same impact on Roazhon Park, and Rennes has produced an impressive all-around, upset performance and handing Pochettino his first defeat in the 2021-22 campaign.
Mbappe and Neymar were both guilty of missing good chances in the first half and Lionel Messi saw the trademark free kick cannon back off the bar, but Rennes ended up taking the lead ahead of Laborde’s volley interval. Paris Saint-Germain fell even further right after the restart as Flavien Tate doubled the home side lead and Kylian Mbappe saw a goal ruled out for offside later in the second half, with the visitors ending up losing with all 13 of their shots on goal, failing hit the target. It became even worse for Lionel Messi and co after the match, as their coach was locked in the Rennes car park due to collisions outside the stadium.
What did Mauricio Pochettino say?
Mauricio Pochettino remained lamenting his team’s extravagance in the final third, but also admitted that they still have to find the right balance. Paris Saint-Germain boss said in his post-match press conference that they failed to score the chances they created. they are sad because they played very well for 25-30 minutes. they are unhappy, but they have to keep working.
According to Pochettino, of course, they are coming out of a difficult period physically. they have to overcome all this. After this negative result, they must make self-criticism. they may not be happy, but there are some positive things to keep. they will try to find the right way to play, the right balance.