Paris Saint-Germain head coach Christophe Galtier has backed Lionel Messi to shake off final time period’s challenges and have a “nice season” after opening the Ligue 1 marketing campaign with a double.
Messi capped off PSG’s 5-0 win at Clermont on Saturday with two late objectives, together with a spectacular over-head strike. Neymar, Achraf Hakimi and Marquinhos all scored within the first half.
The Argentine’s double comes after he solely managed 11 objectives in all competitions in his first season within the French capital following his transfer from Barcelona, whereas he struggled to search out cohesion alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe final time period too.
“He had a little bit of a troublesome season final season, he had to slot in,” Galtier instructed reporters.
“There was a radical change however in each season earlier than that he has no less than 30 objectives.
“He went by means of a whole pre-season. When he has his bearing each by way of his household life but in addition by way of his membership, the staff and his fellow gamers, there isn’t a purpose why Leo shouldn’t have an amazing season.”
Galtier, who took over at PSG from Mauricio Pochettino final month, was glowing in his reward of Messi having spoken at size throughout their pre-season tour of Japan.
“I spoke with Leo throughout our time in Japan and I additionally talked with my attacking gamers to be sure that he may carry out nicely on a regular basis,” he mentioned.
“Leo has a really sharp tactical sense, very clear. He has imaginative and prescient. He shortly sees the place he has to go.
“The best way he defends, the way in which he positions himself to play with others. He can get into the zone. He likes to play with the gamers he has round him.
“From there, when Leo smiles clearly, the staff smiles too.”
PSG are in motion subsequent weekend within the league at house to Montpellier.
Fairly merely unbelievable from Leo Messi #
