“Age is inevitable,” said Gugnali. Accordingly, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has adapted his game in recent years. “In my opinion, he prepares matches better than he used to,” said the football expert and explained: “Because he used to be able to carry the ball forward and find solutions himself.”
Gugnali worked as an assistant coach at the Albiceleste from 2011 until the World Cup in Brazil. Last November he visited his former player in his new home Paris – the two still have a good relationship to this day, like the 61-year-old exclusively at Eurosport confirmed.
In terms of sport, however, Messi has not arrived since moving to the French capital in the summer. In 26 competitive games, the 34-year-old only scored seven goals, but at least prepared eleven more goals.
A league
Ibrahimovic with a curious demand: will the journey continue with Milan?
–
YESTERDAY AT 15:09
–
Gugnali now defended Messi. “I’ve never seen him play badly,” he said, adding, “But he’s only human. He can’t always save us.” Most recently, however, the attacker was heavily criticized by his own fans.
The moment of decision: Messi wins Ballon d’Or
Messi in Paris under criticism
An unbearable situation for his former companion, as he admitted. “I watched the game but couldn’t watch any longer. I had to switch gears,” said Gugnali, criticizing PSG supporters: “It’s disrespectful to me because he’s still the best player in the world.”
Especially in difficult phases, whistles from the ranks are the worst approach. “I don’t think it improves the situation. You can’t find solutions like that,” said the Argentine clearly.
Neymar (left) and Lionel Messi play together for Paris Saint-Germain
Fotocredit: Getty Images
Anticipation for the national team
The stay with the national team is all the more important for the left foot. “He’s very happy to come here. It wasn’t always like that,” revealed Gugnali exclusively at Eurosport. Messi welcomes Venezuela to Buenos Aires with the Albiceleste on Saturday.
Coach Lionel Scaloni’s side are currently second behind Brazil in South America’s World Cup qualifiers. However, the Argentines were able to book the ticket to Qatar ahead of schedule. For the four-time Champions League winner, appearances with the runner-up from 2014 are still important for self-confidence.
Especially since winning the Copa America, Messi’s first title with the Argentine national team, the superstar’s relationship with the team has changed. “It liberated him. He owed something to the national team, so it made him very emotional,” said Gugnali. “It helps with the selection because the atmosphere in the team is very calm and supportive. It’s good news for Argentina.”
Whistle concert for PSG stars: Own fans punish Messi and Neymar
A league
Return to Italy? Jorginho before leaving Chelsea
–
YESTERDAY AT 15:08
–
Cup toss in Bochum: Game counts for Mönchengladbach
–
YESTERDAY AT 1:25 PM
—
