According to former PSG player and coach Luis Fernandez, the old club played collectively and limited its reliance on individual moments of brilliance after parting ways with the duo Lionel Messi and Neymar.
“If PSG had Messi five years ago, when he was still at Barca, I would definitely say that the team would be better with Messi and Neymar. But PSG now plays more collectively,” Fernandez told SPORT first Champions League quarterfinals. “Neymar came to PSG with Kylian Mbappe, but injuries and other problems prevented him from showing his full talent”.
While playing professionally, Fernandez played for PSG from 1978 to 1986, winning one Ligue 1 and two French National Cups. After switching to coaching, he had two terms leading PSG from 1994-1996 and 2000-2003, bringing home five titles.
Messi and Neymar have won every title for Barca, but could not help PSG reach Champions League glory. The South American star duo were even booed and jeered by PSG fans after the home team was eliminated from the Champions League in the last two seasons.
In the summer of 2023, both of them parted ways with PSG. Neymar moved to Al Hilal of the Saudi Pro League with a season salary of 200 million USD, equivalent to the income of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr and Karim Benzema at Al Ittihad. In six seasons with PSG, the Brazilian striker scored 118 goals and assisted 77 goals, won five Ligue 1, three French Cups, two French League Cups and three French Super Cups, and finished runner-up in the 2019-2020 Champions League.
Messi moved to PSG on a free transfer in 2021, winning two Ligue 1 and one French Super Cup. After his contract with PSG ended, the Argentine star moved to Inter Miami, helping the team win the 2023 Leagues Cup and win the US National Cup runner-up last season.
Fernandez appreciated the fact that current coach Luis Enrique did not give too much freedom to one player and dealt firmly with Mbappe, limiting the French striker’s minutes. According to Fernandez, Enrique has experience managing stars when he coached Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez at Barca.
“Obviously, Messi and Neymar both have a lot of talent, but the difference is created by the coach. Enrique can replace a star in the 60th minute, like he did with Mbappe, something many other coaches cannot do.” , Fernandez continued.
In early February, Mbappe reportedly informed President Nasser Al Khelaifi of his decision to leave PSG when his contract expires in June 2024. Afterwards, Spanish newspaper Marca said Mbappe had signed a five-year contract with Real and accepted a deep salary reduction.
But according to Fernandez, Mbappe can continue to stick with PSG if he wins Champions Legaue this season. “At this point, I can only say that Mbappe had seven wonderful years at PSG,” the 64-year-old coach said. “Let’s see what happens. PSG is leading Ligue 1 and in the French Cup final. If they win the Champions League, I won’t rule out anything”.
At the end of March, Enrique shared the same thing when saying: “I always hope that Mbappe can change his mind. Currently he has not said anything about the future and can change his mind. Imagine PSG winning four title this season and Mbappe decided at the last minute that he wanted to stay in Paris. Why not, let’s wait and see.
Meanwhile, the 25-year-old striker affirmed that he is focusing on the sprint phase of the season and hopes to finalize his future before joining the French team for Euro 2024 in Germany.
