Messi suspended by PSG because of going to Saudi Arabia, Galtier: It’s a club decision

Paris St Germain club manager Christophe Galtier says he had nothing to do with the club’s decision to suspend Lionel Messi.

French media reported that Messi was suspended for two weeks after making an unauthorized trip to Saudi Arabia when he was supposed to be training with his team following Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at home to Lorient in the league.

Messi has accepted a formal offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal next season, sources close to the Argentina captain have told Reuters, with a contract extension at PSG not in the cards for the World Cup winner who turns 36 next month.

“I was informed by the board at the start of the week of the decision to suspend Messi. When I was informed, it was my responsibility not to comment on it,” Galtier told a news conference ahead of Sunday’s match at Troyes.

“I was hired by the club and it was my role… The decision had nothing to do with me. I was informed about the decision.

“Leo’s suspension has added to a bad performance, we can’t hide behind that… I can’t say it’s been a happy period. There are targets to achieve, the players are working hard. We are focused and committed.”

PSG lead the table but last weekend’s defeat has reduced their lead over second-placed Olympique Marseille to five points with five games remaining of the season.

The decline in PSG’s performance this year, especially after they were eliminated from the last 16 of the Champions League in early March, has become a concern for fans.

Galtier led PSG unbeaten in all competitions until last December but has since lost nine games, with fans protesting outside Neymar’s home this week chanting for him to leave.

The Brazilian was out for the remainder of the season following ankle surgery in March, but Galtier declined to comment on whether the forward would be at the club next season.

PSG condemned the fans’ actions while Galtier said it was unacceptable for fans to protest outside players’ homes.

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