Former Paris Saint-Germain manager, Luis Fernández, has told current boss, Mauricio Pochettino, the best position to play Lionel Messi, insisting that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is not tired.
Messi has struggled for form since joining PSG from Barcelona last summer.
The Argentine captain has scored just seven goals in 22 games across competitions for Pochettino’s men.
His performances have drawn criticism from the French media.
However, Fernández believes Messi has performed admirably since joining the Ligue 1 giants, adding that Pochettino should play the 34-year-old in the middle, behind a striker in PSG’s squad in order to get the best out of him.
Speaking to beIN Sports, Fernández said, “I saw him [Messi] play at Barca. There was the speed with pass controls, and it went on. At PSG, he carries the ball ten times. How do you want to play with it or highlight it? When Neymar came back, he broke lines with his speed. Leave Messi alone. Until the end of the match against Real, he made good passes when we are told he is tired.”
He added, “This guy is not tired. I hear comments about it (…) He played a very good game. With PSG, he has ambition, even if it was hard at first. He has the Champions League in mind, and everyone wants to bring him. You have to put him in the middle behind the attackers. Do not ask him to go right, left, or let the guys not carry the ball and give it to him quickly.”
