Paris Saint-Germain head coach Mauricio Pochettino has come out to played down Lionel Messi’s handshake snub during their 2-1 win over Lyon on Sunday night in Ligue 1. Paris Saint-Germain kept up their 100 per cent Ligue 1 record this season with a comeback victory over Lyon.
Lucas Paqueta put Lyon in front in the second half of the game before Neymar levelled the scores from the penalty spot. The game looked set to end in stalemate until substitute Mauro Icardi headed home a 93rd-minute winner. Paris Saint-Germain’s perfect record sees them lead the Ligue 1 table, five points clear of bitter rivals Marseille.
However, the highlight of the game was the removal of Lionel Messi 15 minutes before the end of the game. Pochettino took off Messi and introduced Hakimi to the game. The former Barcelona star showed his frustration by refusing to shake hands with his manager as he trudged to the bench.
The player showed his sadness and unhappiness with the manager’s decision, it is obvious the six times Ballon d’Or is not happy in the club, but Pochettino insisted there were no problems with Lionel Messi. He said his compatriot understood his decision.
Mauricio Pochettino Backs Lionel Messi
Pochettino said: “I took the decision to take Leo off to protect him from possible injuries. We have important games coming up, and we want to protect him. “These are decisions that we make for the good of the team. Everyone knows we have great players.”
“We have a very rich squad of 35 players. Then we have to make choices. With the 11 who must start and then we have to make decisions during the game. “Sometimes these choices pay off, and sometimes they don’t.” “But that’s why we’re standing in front of the bench thinking about what to do. And those decisions that you have to make, whether things go well or not. Whether you like it or not.” “Afterwards, Messi told me he was fine with the decision.”
