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Topics: Kylian Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi, Bayern Munich, Champions League
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Kylian Mbappe, Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi, Bayern Munich, Champions League
Philipp Lahm thinks Paris Saint-Germain have a fundamental problem and it's that the team plays "uninspired football".
The 39-year-old former Bayern Munich defender, who is considered by many to be one of the greatest fullbacks of all time, has provided a scathing analysis of the Ligue 1 club following their Champions League exit.
Christophe Galtier's side were knocked out at the last-16 stage by Bayern after two far-from-inspiring performances across two legs.
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And while speaking to The Guardian, former Germany international Lahm said star man Lionel Messi was "helpless" and "desperate" as PSG suffered a 2-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena on March 8.
He praised the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, who recently lifted the World Cup with Argentina, but said his skills are used "without purpose or direction".
Lahm added: "The individuals at PSG simply do not know how to collectively score a goal and, generally, how to contribute. Messi was helpless and desperate at the Allianz Arena."
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As well as labelling the club a "bland" experience, former Bayern full-back Lahm said he sympathises with the PSG fan base.
"One can feel sorry for PSG fans," he said. "Their hope that something will grow together dies anew every year. They surely believe in something else. PSG are as far away as ever from something to love, despite years of investment."
He goes on: "This exorbitantly expensive team resemble a luxury department store, displaying precious exhibits that everyone marvels at but no one can afford.
"It guarantees high attention and spectacle, but only works economically. If so much money is spent but the opposite of quality is achieved, that is not good."
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Lahm also spoke about another one of PSG's top players, Kylian Mbappe.
"Kylian Mbappe is a story in himself," he says. "He undoubtedly has world‑class skills, and he grabs hold of Ligue 1 with ease.
"But his talent is not embedded. In Munich he was constantly waiting for the ball to fall at his feet. It is difficult to imagine how his career will blossom in Paris."
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The former Germany captain also mentioned that the French champions are a success as Qatar's political tool but when it comes to football on the pitch, the outcome is disappointing.
He says; "Great teams that people identify with develop in a process. This can only succeed with cooperation, solidarity and community. These are the values of Europe, but not of PSG."
Thoughts on Lahm's comments? Let us know.