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PSG secured a 3-0 win over Bordeaux on Sunday in Ligue 1. Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Leandro Parades helped the Parisians maintain a healthy 15-point lead over second-placed Nice.
Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Xavi has revealed that he got in touch with Lionel Messi after the Parisians’ defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16. Elsewhere, the French giants are ready to offload Georginio Wijnaldum this summer.
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On that note, here’s a look at the key PSG transfer stories as on 13th March 2022:
Xavi contacted Lionel Messi after Real Madrid defeat
Barcelona manager Xavi has revealed that he contacted Lionel Messi after PSG’s midweek defeat at Real Madrid.
The Argentinean was a spectator as his team were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Los Blancos. Despite going 2-0 ahead on aggregate, the Parisians allowed the La Liga giants to score thrice in 17 minutes to turn the tie on its head.
Messi was criticised for failing to turn up once again. The 34-year-old has endured a difficult time at the Parc des Prices since arriving last summer. Talks of a return to the Camp Nou continue to make rounds, especially with Xavi now in charge of the club.
The Spaniard enjoys a good rapport with Messi, having shared the pitch for years with the Blaugrana. Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s game on Sunday, Xavi said that he had sent words of encouragement to his good friend.
"I have a friendly relationship with Messi, and we are talking. Yes, I sent him a message to encourage him after the game. It was a duel that changed in 20 or 25 minutes in which Madrid had faith and desire and turned the scoreboard in a match that was very difficult,” said Xavi.
He continued:
“The Champions League is like that. When you lower the intensity a bit, the rival ends up running over you. I think that's what happened in that game, and that's why Madrid were able to qualify. A bad moment condemns you in the Champions League."
Messi notably missed a penalty in the first leg. He has scored only seven times in 26 games across competitions for the Parisians, including two in 18 league outings.
PSG ready to offload Georginio Wijnaldum
PSG are planning to offload Georginio Wijnaldum this summer, according to Caught Offside via L’Equipe.
The Dutchman joined the Parisians last summer on a Bosman move at the end of his contract with Liverpool. The 31-year-old arrived with a big reputation after winning the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League with the Reds.
However, Wijnaldum has failed to replicate that form with Ligue 1 giants PSG. The Dutchman has also struggled for game time at the Parc des Princes and was an unused substitute in the defeat at Real Madrid. The French giants have now reportedly run out of patience with the 31-year-old and could listen to offers for him.
Presnel Kimpembe opens up on booing from fans
Presnel Kimpembe opened up on the booing and whistling from fans during the win over Bordeaux. Messi and Neymar were constantly jeered by the home fans following their dismal outing against Real Madrid.
Speaking after the game, Kimpembe said he understood the disappointment of the fans.
“Inevitably we hear the whistles, even if we’re focused and concentrated on our match. We understand their disappointment; we understand their hatred. We’re professional; we know how to stay so too, and it’s now that we must raise our heads and be able to move forward in order to win Ligue 1…” said Kimpembe.
He continued:
“We are all at fault, no one more than anyone else. We are a team; we must stick together through good and bad. It’s time to show that we have character and that we’re a team by staying united and strong together, even if it’s hard, very hard."
