Last week’s Champions League defeat at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid looks to be still giving PSG nightmares. Having been leading 2-0 on aggregate up until the 60th minute, it took a miraculous effort from Karim Benzema to score a 17-minute hat-trick to overturn the deficit.
The Frenchman and Madrid must be applauded for fighting until the end however, the Parisiens’ collapse due to a lack of mental strength and cohesion amongst the players has left a deplorable image of the club in Europe.
Members of the PSG camp have opened up about the game over the week with manager Mauricio Pochettino sharing that it has been difficult for him to sleep at night due to the nature of the defeat. Brazilian star Neymar Jr too admitted in an interview that this was one of the most painful defeats of his career.
But these honest admissions have not helped PSG as they still had to face the wrath of their home crowd on Sunday during their next Ligue 1 match against Bordeaux.
In past, PSG ultras have been extremely vocal in their dissatisfaction with the club. A few weeks back the ultras protested strongly against the club’s lack of use of the home kits, which represent the traditional colours and history of the club.
As the Parisian outfit took to the pitch at the Parc des Princes, they were met with constant boos, most strongly for two of their biggest players, Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr.
Messi and Neymar were booed at while Mbappe was cheered on during introductions 😳😳
Despite having scored the team’s 3rd goal, Neymar was still not spared. The ultras even took to abusive language as they were spotted using such chants against Neymar.
Not all players were subjected to this treatment as when Kylian Mbappe’s name was announced before the game, it was greeted with heavy cheers.
Although he seems to be the one out of the front three seeking an imminent exit from the club, his brace against Madrid seems to have convinced the fans that he did play for the badge.
The lack of impact across the two legs (Neymar did get two assists) and since the club brought in Messi and Neymar purely to capture a maiden UCL trophy, the South Americans became the prime targets.
The two players have received support and backing during this tough period from their ex-Barca teammates, Cesc Fabregas and Luis Suarez, who reminded PSG fans of the size and greatness of the two players they were booing.
Football has no memory whatsoever… it’s a shame. Always with you brothers 🙏🏻
Having had one of the best transfer windows for a club in the summer of 2021, this looked to be the season PSG won that elusive UCL trophy led by Messi, Neymar and Mbappe.
But a familiar bottle-job has sent the club back to the drawing board to prepare for next season, where they might not have Mbappe as they make another attempt for Europe’s most prized trophy.
