Lionel Messi’s (36) and Neymar’s (31) departures from Paris Saint-Germain have created a “more united” dressing room at the club, according to Le Parisien.
Messi, who left PSG to join Inter Miami on a free transfer and Neymar, now at Al Hilal, both left the club during the summer clearout and their absence has had a positive effect on the dressing room. Some players felt as though their path to the first team was blocked last season. Kylian Mbappé and Messi in particular were undroppable, as was Neymar before he suffered an injury in February that ended his season prematurely.
Messi’s and Neymar’s departures offer Luis Enrique more flexibility
Those who were on the bench did not live harmoniously with Messi and Neymar, according to Le Parisien, and their dissatisfaction with their situation told on the pitch with PSG’s substitutes scoring just five goals last season. Messi’s and Neymar’s absence allows Luis Enrique more flexibility and it has also had a liberating effect on the players themselves.
There is reportedly a healthier dynamic at the club this season with a “more united” dressing room. Back-up options, such as Fabián Ruiz, are more comfortable in their roles this year, and even if they start matches infrequently, there is more of a sense of common purpose and collectivity, relative to last year.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
