Frédéric Antonetti is renowned for not having his tongue in his pocket. A few hours before his team’s trip to Paris (Saturday, 9 p.m.) on behalf of the last day of Ligue 1, the FC Metz coach defended PSG. The 60-year-old Corsican tactician admits that he does not understand the criticism after the elimination of PSG against Real Madrid in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
“For two and a half hours, PSG enchanted me”
“It’s one of the best teams in the world in my eyes, if not the best,” said the 60-year-old Corsican tactician at a press conference. An example: the double confrontation between Paris and Real Madrid in the Champions League. For two and a half hours, there was no match! Afterwards, we comment on the result and the elimination. But as a coach, I watch the content: for two and a half hours, PSG enchanted me. It was very beautiful to see. The result made everyone forget it, but there was no first leg match, and the return was played out for little. Remember Mbappé’s two offsides. Everyone forgot that! »
If the title will be celebrated by the club of the capital, the Messin coach does not forget for his part that his team, current 18th and therefore play-off with a Ligue 2 club (Auxerre or Sochaux, the meeting takes place this Friday evening in 8:30 p.m.) runs the risk of falling back a notch and therefore being directly demoted: “Resisting is clear. We will have to defend well and whenever we have the possibility of causing them problems, we will do so. Above all, I hope that we will be there. If we are and we play a good game, I will be happy. Afterwards, if they are better than us, they are better than us. That’s all. »
On the PSG side, this will be the last match for Argentinian winger Angel Di Maria, pushed out after seven years at the club. Kylian Mbappé, whose contract expires on June 30, could also say goodbye to the Parc des Princes, if he were to play. The striker did not train with the group on Thursday, leaving some doubts about his presence. Neymar and Lionel Messi will be there. Leandro Paredes (pubalgia) and Julian Draxler (knee) withdrew. Defender Abdou Diallo, who has not played since March 20, and striker Mauro Icardi (quadriceps) could reappear in the group.
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