Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are preparing to travel to the Stade Louis II to face AS Monaco in Ligue 1. The Parisians are atop the league table, leading second-placed Marseille by a whopping 15 points, and are coming off a 3-0 win over Bordeaux last weekend.
Meanwhile, Dani Alves has said that Parisians attacker Lionel Messi is not enjoying himself at the Parc des Princes. Elsewhere, Didier Deschamps has opened up on the future of Parisians striker Kylian Mbappe.
On that note, here’s a look at the key PSG transfer stories as on 18th March 2022:
Lionel Messi not enjoying himself at PSG, says Dani Alves
Dani Alves has said that Lionel Messi is not enjoying himself at PSG. The Argentinean joined the Parisians last summer after Barcelona failed to extend his contract. However, Messi’s much-publicised move to Paris has failed to live up to its billing.
Messi has struggled to find his footing in France, especially in the league, where he has scored just twice in 18 outings. He has fared better in Europe, scoring five times in seven UEFA Champions League games.
However, he drew a blank in both legs in the Round of 16 against Real Madrid. Messi missed a penalty in the first leg and was largely anonymous in the second as PSG crashed out of the competition.
Alves has now said that the 34-year-old is out of place at the Ligue 1 giants. Speaking to ESPN, the Brazilian said that there is no better place than the Camp Nou for Messi.
“For me, no, he is not enjoying himself (at Paris Saint-Germain), because Leo makes this game special, and he does it when he is having a good time because when he is having a good time, the others enjoy it. For me, it is out of place right now. Leo is out of place there ,” said Alves.
The former Parisians player continued:
“Because Leo, for me, lived in the best place in the world to practice what he loves. Leo always told me where are you going to be better than here? And I checked, there is no better place than here. Even when it came out that he was leaving, I sent him the same message that he told me."
Alves is hopeful of teaming up with Messi again at Barcelona, saying:
“For whatever reason, he is not here, and I hope he can come back. I don’t know, but if he comes, let him come here with me to enjoy at least a little more of all that."
He continued:
“All the people who leave here regret it, everyone. Some will say no because they don’t like to lose, but all the people who leave regret it because it’s better than here that they won’t be anywhere."
Didier Deschamps opens up on Kylian Mbappe's future
France manager Didier Deschamps has said that Kylian Mbappe’s future will not be a problem for Les Bleus. The 23-year-old is in the final year of his current deal with PSG and is expected to leave this summer as a free agent. Real Madrid have been widely touted as his next destination.
Speaking at a press conference, Deschamps said that he has no preference regarding the player’s next move.
“I don’t have any preference. I don’t have an opinion; he will decide. Whatever he decides, it will not be a problem for the French team. It will be his decision and his family’s decision about what might be best for him. I have no particular information. I won’t try to find out anyway,” said Deschamps.
He continued:
“I think there are other players who must be much more worried than Kylian. It doesn’t matter where he is. At his level, there’s no reason why it should have any bearing on (his place within) the French team."
Mbappe (158) recently went past Zlatan Ibrahimovic (156) to become the Parisians’ all-time top scorer behind Edinson Cavani (200). That includes 26 strikes across competitions this season.
Sevilla and Bayer Leverkusen interested in Julian Draxler
Sevilla and Bayer Leverkusen are interested in Julian Draxler, according to PSG Talk via Todo Fichajes.
The German is no longer guaranteed game time at PSG and could move for greener pastures this summer. In 23 games this season, he has bagged two goals and as many assists. Sevilla are monitoring him with interest and want to tie him down to a three-year deal with an annual salary of €3.5 million.
However, Leverkusen are also in the race for Draxler’s signature and are planning to bring him back to the Bundesliga. The German’s current contract with the Parisians expires in 2024, but he could be allowed to leave at the right price.
lightrex
0
you are not serious do you think if Messi was having a good defense and midfield like Liverpool he would not perform his magics. Even with this team look at his magic assists and woodworks even in the UCL. Messi with that Liverpool team will do more than sallah is doing that is a fact.
Stop making excuses...in last 10 years all the attackers of PSG has better records than Messi - Ibra, Cavani, Maria, Icardi, Neymar, Mbappe even players like Moise Keane, Eric Chupo Moting...there is a fundamental difference between CR7 & Messi...Messi is better only technically than Ronaldo & others but he lacks other qualities that u need to shine in difficult situations...I'd rather hav a simple tap ins or penalty goals each match Than a magical assists in every 3-4 matches
zahedalam
2
Domdelnosz
1
Lionel Messi is unimaginable the greatest prize asset to PSG and he's just reserving his energy for the up coming FIFA World Cup, we have to patiently watchout for Lionel Messi next season
Jaylinroman14
0
I think you should leave PSG Messi
Nescdinosu
0
I'm not a Messi hater, even if my favourite player is Ronaldo. But in my view, when Ronaldo was 34, he scored 20 odd goals for Juventus, in a season, Messi on the other hand at 34, scored 2 goals in the French league... just a thought
you know nothing Messi is about 35. He mid 34 was when he won copa and ballondor with this performance. you are not serious do you think if Messi was having a good defense and midfield like mancity he would not perform his magics. Even with this team look at his magic assists and woodworks even in the UCL. Messi with that mancity team will do more than all your front is doing that is a fact.
Nescdinosu
0
PSG is a rubbish team,so many good players are there but no result,it is very disappointed. League one is a farmar league ,so psg best in farmar league
midfield verati, defense marquinos and donnurama. and these are the positions that should hold balls. all the good are packed infront. How can they perform.
Nescdinosu
0
PSG is a rubbish team,so many good players are there but no result,it is very disappointed. League one is a farmar league ,so psg best in farmar league
midfield verati, defense marquinos and donnurama. and these are the positions that should hold balls.
Nescdinosu
0
we knew if he was out of comfort zone he became worse than Balotelli
you are not serious do you think if Messi was having a good defense and midfield like Liverpool he would not perform his magics. Even with this team look at his magic assists and woodworks even in the UCL. Messi with that Liverpool team will do more than sallah is doing that is a fact.
Nescdinosu
0
we knew if he was out of comfort zone he became worse than Balotelli
you are not serious do you think if Messi was having a good defense and midfield like Liverpool he would not perform his magics. Even with this team look at his magic assists and woodworks even in the UCL. Messi with that Liverpool team will do more than sallah is doing that is a fact.
Nescdinosu
0
we knew if he was out of comfort zone he became worse than Balotelli
you are not serious do you think if Messi was having a good defense and midfield like Liverpool he would not perform his magics. Even with this team look at his assists and woodworks even in the UCL. Messi with that Liverpool team will do more than sallah is doing that is a fact.
Nescdinosu
0
we knew if he was out of comfort zone he became worse than Balotelli
you are not serious do you think if Messi was having a good defense and midfield like Liverpool he would not perform his magics. Even with this team look at his assists and woodworks. Messi with that Liverpool team will do more than sallah is doing that is a fact.
Wanclmnpu
1
I think it can be better to retain to his former club
wuyclmnpz
0
Time to go to another rich club...maybe Newcastel
Huybklnpsy
0
it's not about enjoying the guy has failed to prove himself.how can you be labelled the best in the world when you have only played for one club your all career.this was the right time to convince us you're worth that tag..CR7 on the other hand has done it in three major leagues in europe, stats don't lie.simply put Messi is only good for Barcelona nd laliga PSG should stop wasting money on him his a complete flop no doubt.
most people here don't know football they just vomit rodents out there opened bag called mouth, playing for different clubs doesn't accord u as the best, go and ask pele
lightrex
0
we knew if he was out of comfort zone he became worse than Balotelli
Wuebclpstz
2
I'm not a Messi hater, even if my favourite player is Ronaldo. But in my view, when Ronaldo was 34, he scored 20 odd goals for Juventus, in a season, Messi on the other hand at 34, scored 2 goals in the French league... just a thought
how many assists did he provide?? how many big chances did he create?? how many key passes did he complete?? playmaking and influencing the midfield?? you guyz are judging different players using the same yardstick and that will never work. Leo Messi himself, when receiving his fifth golden boot said "i dont consider myself a goal scorer", cause he knows he isn't. Thats why Messi has won 4 IFFHS Playmarkers' award, while CR7 has never even been a contender. So stop judging him on that. CR7 physical buildup gives him an edge as a goal scorer than Messi. With his body, Messi, cant flourish as typical stricker, especially in a league as physical as league 1, let alone EPL.
Hawksxd
1
I'm not a Messi hater, even if my favourite player is Ronaldo. But in my view, when Ronaldo was 34, he scored 20 odd goals for Juventus, in a season, Messi on the other hand at 34, scored 2 goals in the French league... just a thought
bruhh messi always played for barca since start and here he is adapting to a different play style he is not scoring goals bcoz he is providing assists to kylian bcoz he make a run so what to say time will tell atleast messi will tell in world cup
walinton
0
why you crying about disallowed goal against serbia and laughing about Ronaldo offside goal against Bayern Munich eh ?.Treat equal about both goals cause it already happened .Now Ronaldo have chance to take his country to worldcup in playoffs.I only said Ronaldo should not be called one of the GOAT if he can't even take his country to worldcup cause the guy still have chance in playoff
and yours should be called GOAT for scoring 2 goals in 7 months considering he is even playing in farmer's league 🤣🤣🤣
ManUnited-Red
0
true he should go to Man United he would be their best player[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
no thanks, we don't need him
zetadeksz
1
PSG is a rubbish team,so many good players are there but no result,it is very disappointed. League one is a farmar league ,so psg best in farmar league
nowhereee
0
you made mention that he couldn't take his team to the world cup.... now read back once again... is he the ref who disallowed the goal against Serbia ?
why you crying about disallowed goal against serbia and laughing about Ronaldo offside goal against Bayern Munich eh ?.Treat equal about both goals cause it already happened .Now Ronaldo have chance to take his country to worldcup in playoffs.I only said Ronaldo should not be called one of the GOAT if he can't even take his country to worldcup cause the guy still have chance in playoff
JaimeDeLara
5
I'm not a Messi hater, even if my favourite player is Ronaldo. But in my view, when Ronaldo was 34, he scored 20 odd goals for Juventus, in a season, Messi on the other hand at 34, scored 2 goals in the French league... just a thought
walinton
0
🤣🤣 you are the one who is complaining about disallowed goal against Serbia not me .
you made mention that he couldn't take his team to the world cup.... now read back once again... is he the ref who disallowed the goal against Serbia ?
nowhereee
0
Are you satisfied?
[image]
🤣🤣 you are the one who is complaining about disallowed goal against Serbia not me .
walinton
0
[image]
Are you satisfied?
nowhereee
0
champions league means world cup to you right 🤣🤣🤣...
clown champion League offside goal means goal to you right 🤣
nowhereee
0
ronaldo was the ref who disallowed the goal against Serbia right.. truth hurts towards your laliga legend 🤣🤣🤣
hypocrisy at its peak .When Ronaldo scored against Bayern it was clear offside.you guys keep quiet cause it was favour with Ronaldo .Now against Serbia you are complaining cause it was against Ronaldo.These Ronaldo fans are the most hypocrite fan base I have ever seen. Ronaldo can't be called as one of the GOAT if he can't even take his country to worldcup 🤣
walinton
0
[image]
champions league means world cup to you right 🤣🤣🤣...
nowhereee
1
ronaldo was the ref who disallowed the goal against Serbia right.. truth hurts towards your laliga legend 🤣🤣🤣
walinton
0
It's not easy to spent 17 years in one club, he loves club and it gonna hard to forget his time in Barcelona, messi still struggle because no place for him like Barcelona
because no Wifi in paris 🤣🤣🤣
walinton
0
Ronaldo the guy who can't even take his country to worldcup?😭🤡
ronaldo was the ref who disallowed the goal against Serbia right.. truth hurts towards your laliga legend 🤣🤣🤣
nowhereee
1
it's not about enjoying the guy has failed to prove himself.how can you be labelled the best in the world when you have only played for one club your all career.this was the right time to convince us you're worth that tag..CR7 on the other hand has done it in three major leagues in europe, stats don't lie.simply put Messi is only good for Barcelona nd laliga PSG should stop wasting money on him his a complete flop no doubt.
Ronaldo the guy who can't even take his country to worldcup?😭🤡
Ronlm10
4
Wingfield
0
it's not about enjoying the guy has failed to prove himself.how can you be labelled the best in the world when you have only played for one club your all career.this was the right time to convince us you're worth that tag..CR7 on the other hand has done it in three major leagues in europe, stats don't lie.simply put Messi is only good for Barcelona nd laliga PSG should stop wasting money on him his a complete flop no doubt.
Sohadklno
0
true he should go to Man United he would be their best player[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
I well he will be coz there are lazy players & they don't suit counterattack in utd...so Messi possession will do the work at utd ..
chesangma7
1
love sick or just flop?!
Wiacdiklpu
0
PSG's style in general doesn't focus on passing the ball a lot, also Messi isn't being treated like being special, like he was treated in Barcelona. That's why it looks like he's not getting passes when you compare him at PSG with him at Barcelona. He chose the team, he had other options but chose them, so he must learn to adapt to them.
you right bro
Brazil4Everr
0
adapt what how will he adapt he the only one play fow him self no body pases to him except he tries an outside shot
PSG's style in general doesn't focus on passing the ball a lot, also Messi isn't being treated like being special, like he was treated in Barcelona. That's why it looks like he's not getting passes when you compare him at PSG with him at Barcelona. He chose the team, he had other options but chose them, so he must learn to adapt to them.
Brazil4Everr
0
Messi struggle because of the selfishness of p s g players everyone there want to make name
Lol, that's one of the lamest excuses yet
hiudmstuz
1
Oh my goal
cale233
1
I say they should sell Messi
true he should go to Man United he would be their best player[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
ManUnited-Red
4
I say they should sell Messi
Wiacdiklpu
0
I want Lionel messi to play another season with PSG because I know next since my Leo will play more better because he is going adapt very well by next season
adapt what how will he adapt he the only one play fow him self no body pases to him except he tries an outside shot
Neybilmryz
2
Messi struggle because of the selfishness of p s g players everyone there want to make name
Mibcerstuy
5
It's not easy to spent 17 years in one club, he loves club and it gonna hard to forget his time in Barcelona, messi still struggle because no place for him like Barcelona
Mibcerstuy
3
I want Lionel messi to play another season with PSG because I know next since my Leo will play more better because he is going adapt very well by next season