Superstar Lionel Messi was annoyed with coach Pochettino after his early substitution at PSG's home game against Lyon.
Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino has justified the replacement of superstar Lionel Messi in the 2-1 win over Olympique Lyon. “I'm here to make decisions. We have to make decisions, whether you like it or not,” said the Argentine late on Sunday evening. It's about the well-being of the team. Pochettino had taken Messi off the field in the 75th minute, his compatriot seemed to disagree with this decision. “I asked him how he was doing. He told me he was fine with no problems,” said Pochettino.
With the sixth win in the sixth game, PSG built on their perfect record in the new season of the French soccer league. Against Lyon with the German ex-world champion Jérôme Boateng, Mauro Icardi made the success perfect in the third minute of stoppage time. Previously, Neymar equalized with a penalty (66th) after the guests had taken the lead through Lucas Paqueta (53rd).
After the game, Messi's substitution was the main topic of discussion. “Sometimes the decisions are positive, sometimes not,” said Pochettino. He changed the winning goal scorer Icardi in the 81st minute.
At Lyon, the coach Peter Bosz Boateng, who once worked in Leverkusen, had called out in the starting line-up, as he had recently in the Europa League against Glasgow Rangers. In the defense center, the 33-year-old had to deal with PSG stars Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar again and again. When Messi's free kick to the crossbar (37th), the long-time Munich was just a powerless spectator.
Bosz did not agree with the penalty decision before the 1-1 draw. “It's not Malo who fouls Neymar. Neymar squeezes him with his hand and fouls him. I understand if the referee doesn't see that, but that's what the VAR is for,” said Lyons coach.
