Former Liverpool star Steve McManaman has advised Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to sell their aging stars, including Lionel Messi, following their disappointing exit from the Champions League. PSG lost to Bayern Munich 3-0 on aggregate, and the French champions had a lackluster performance in both legs of the match. Messi, who played in both games, was unable to make a significant impact, and there are reports that PSG may offer him another one-year contract.
However, McManaman believes that PSG needs to start a rebuilding process by moving on from their older players. He cited Messi, Sergio Ramos, Neymar, and Marquinhos as examples of players who are in the twilight of their careers. In addition, ex-Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes that PSG should focus on developing young talent in France instead of chasing big stars.
Hargreaves suggests that PSG should look to the best young talent pool in the world from Paris and stop letting young talents leave for other European clubs. He believes that PSG could win Ligue 1 with those players and sprinkle in a few superstars.
PSG‘s early exit from the Champions League has raised concerns about the future of the team. Despite having some of the world’s best players, including Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe, PSG has failed to achieve success in Europe’s top competition in recent years. This has led to calls for a change in strategy, with some experts suggesting that PSG needs to rebuild their team with a focus on young talent.
McManaman‘s comments echo those of many fans and pundits who believe that PSG‘s current squad is too old and lacks the hunger and desire to win the Champions League. Messi, who is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, has had a difficult season since joining PSG last summer. He has struggled to adapt to the team’s playing style and has failed to make a significant impact in big games.
Ramos, who joined PSG on a free transfer from Real Madrid last summer, has also struggled with injuries and has been unable to establish himself as a regular in the team. Neymar, meanwhile, has been plagued by fitness issues and has missed several crucial games this season. Marquinhos, the team’s captain, has also struggled with injuries and has been inconsistent in his performances.
Hargreaves‘ suggestion that PSG should focus on developing young talent is not a new idea. PSG has a rich history of producing talented players, including Kylian Mbappe, who is widely regarded as one of the best young talents in the world. However, the club has often struggled to retain these players, with many leaving to play for other European clubs.
If PSG is to succeed in the long term, they will need to find a way to retain their young talent and build a team that can compete at the highest level. While the team’s current squad has many talented players, their lack of consistency and inability to perform in big games has highlighted the need for a change in strategy. PSG‘s next few seasons will be crucial, and it remains to be seen whether they will take the advice of experts like McManaman and Hargreaves and focus on developing young talent or continue to chase big-name signings.
