Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has claimed that Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe’s lack of defensive contributions could keep Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) from winning the UEFA Champions League this season.
PSG, who aspire to win their first UEFA Champions League this season, have enjoyed an encouraging start to the 2022-23 campaign. Winning six of their seven Ligue 1 games (one draw), they currently find themselves at the top of the table with 19 points, leading second-placed Marseille on goal difference. In the Champions League, they have won both their Group H fixtures thus far, beating Juventus 2-1 and Maccabi Haifa 3-1 respectively.
Against Maccabi Haifa, all three of Neymar, Messi, and Mbappe found themselves on the scoresheet, taking their combined goal tally to 26 for the season after 10 matches across competitions. Despite their front three’s red hot form, Balague has his reservations about their chances of European success. Explaining why the French outfit could struggle to end their Champions League drought this season, Balague said on CBS (via PSGTalk):
“Well, when you got a very active Neymar and when you’ve got Mbappé, actions will happen upfront.
“It’s just that these three still don’t defend. And you cannot win things with three players not defending; I don’t think.”
Neymar criticizes referee Daniel Siebert after being booked in PSG win
Neymar found the back of the net minutes before the full-time whistle in the 3-1 win over Maccabi Haifa on Wednesday (September 14). After scoring, the Brazilian ace pulled off a familiar celebration, putting his hands on either side of his head and sticking his tongue out.
It is believed that the celebration, which has become his trademark this season, is directed at his doubters. Match official Siebert, however, seemingly found the celebration derogatory and subsequently booked the forward. Baffled by the decision, the PSG no. 10 took to Twitter to complain about the Siebert’s officiating.
He said (via Twitter):
“Total lack of respect for the athlete. This kind of thing can't happen.
“I take the yellow for simply not having done anything and I continue to be harmed. And the judge? Not even to say he was wrong, he will! a lot of lack of respect”
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Fiacdinsz
0
the front 3 dont connect with themself mbappe is the one he lost balls
ditadklopz
1
Messi
Fihacekry
0
Erik going to win it Before Pep and PSG no cap
Yeah by playing Europa 🤡
Fihacekry
0
Simple reason is Mabappe mf is so selfish..
hZindo
0
PSG and man city finials Champions league
no one is reacting to your comment because they know it's BS
Aisosa15
0
The only one reason is REAL MADRID👑👌 UCL is meant for Farmers😏
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Doesn’t even make sense 😹😹
Madubuaja
0
PSG and man city finials Champions league
yutcklpstu
5
Ney is nowadays defending, Mbappe' has no reason not to defend, but you can't ask 35 y.o Messi to defend or press, it is not his skill. If Mbappe' don't defend, true, it will be difficult for them to win UCL
Tennyson10
1
I Really Don't Know Who's Pundit But The Way He Chooses To Be Famous Big Names Smart Guy And Piece Of S*** 😳😂
Futbolgodti
0
more than defenders, Neymar, Messi and mbappe are lazy defending. When you team is on defensive, you need the three to support defenders. That's what the journalist was saying, and I think he is right. Of course Neymar, Messi or mbappe can score but can they defend ? perhaps only Messi can help, mbappe and Neymar are poor defending with big picture egotism. Champion league is not a one way traffic.
Neymar defends and presses more then all the forwards of what ever team you support😂
reobdkmo
0
I know. I know but Let them believe they can win CL by buying super names . Let them believe, let them believe. buying old horses to win the race haha
PARACETAMOLJNR
6
Neymar has really improved defensively,and he is doing what he promised the fans earlier before the season kicked off.
SolitarySoul
0
PSG? have they Forgot ManCity? lol I want to see them in semi final
Penadekptu
3
neymar does defend a lot, these pundits make safe bets. winning a champions league needs competing with big teams and involves do/die situations. for psg, there's a chance but since it is not an english club, these pundits gonna have all their opinions on why they wouldn't win
Shmonny
2
When rivals become teammates 🥰
siaakmty
1
I really don't they win CL because a team with two many skillful players and skill alone don't do a team much favours you definitely need old school as well
Wapmnort
6
I'm challenging all the pundits who're going against PSG winning this champions league, PSG is one of the most rounded team in the champions league and now they have enough experience in the competition, nothing will stop them this time
Ajoykhumancha
0
Psg need team work
truthisbitter
0
with Mbappe snub,psg should better paly in another competition,even if they reach final, Madrid and it's oh yes members will frustrate them!
AddaiAlex
0
true talk
Vendiknprt
0
Erik going to win it Before Pep and PSG no cap
I don't have want to go to your school.
Vendiknprt
1
Nothing new,almost same team in every match....they open themselves to others… PSG defense not worth marking... midfielders Not good for dominating … And than the selfish Mbappe... When they face really big teams, PSG will lose against them…
more than defenders, Neymar, Messi and mbappe are lazy defending. When you team is on defensive, you need the three to support defenders. That's what the journalist was saying, and I think he is right. Of course Neymar, Messi or mbappe can score but can they defend ? perhaps only Messi can help, mbappe and Neymar are poor defending with big picture egotism. Champion league is not a one way traffic.
dihbcklnpy
0
They can not get it
yesbdkuyz
2
they will loose when they play team like city, madrid, liverpool, chelsea, leipze
Neaaimns
0
Wow
Football⚽/Fan
2
Nothing new,almost same team in every match....they open themselves to others… PSG defense not worth marking... midfielders Not good for dominating … And than the selfish Mbappe... When they face really big teams, PSG will lose against them…
Baaacdopst
0
Erik going to win it Before Pep and PSG no cap
I really need the drugs you're taking fam
Nazdilmpr
1
Erik going to win it Before Pep and PSG no cap
teeacdlpr
1
they need a proper project, Neymar is still ok , Messi Ramos etc are just there for pr nothing else.
AmNelson7
0
👉 That's his little opinion among million others! Time will tell.
Jiwabeptz
3
bcz UCL is not for Farmers 🤣
JoyNg
7
The only one reason is REAL MADRID👑👌 UCL is meant for Farmers😏