By: Comrade Lekan Badmus.
Like a whirlwind, the news that Lionel Messi has joined Paris Saint Germane of France came as a surprise to football fans especially the fanatical fans of Lionel Messi. None of the football ardent supporter ever envisaged the move. Although, speculation was rife immediately after the end of 2020/21 session that the midfield maestro was on his way out of Nou Camp.
However, the insinuation was waved with the back of the hands with a convincing assurance from Barcelona management that their most valuable player would be staying; having consented to pay cut. It is therefore a surprise that Thiago father, who was still basking in the euphoria of the triumph of his national team at the just-concluded COPA America could switch, swiftly to PSG; albeit, free of charge!
Dimunitive Lionel Messi needs no introduction. It is an indefatigable fact that he is one of the best in the world of football. His pedigree as a star is not in doubt. Skillful and talented, Messi shows no mercy on the pitch. His mesmerizing move, agility and deft touches are equal to none. He is a prolific goal-getter and a thorn in the flesh of goalkeepers. It is apt to say therefore, that, the nest of PSG has caught a big fish.
To a lay man or those who are not PHE professionals, French league 1 title has come to rest in the cabinet of PSG for life or for at least, a decade. The assumption seems realistic in view of the array of stars in the fold of Pochettino-led team. The Argentine and former Tottenham coach is very lucky. His star-studded team is a threat to any team in the world, capable of dominating European Football. The team list is scary: Messi, Neymar, Mbappe, Sergio Ramos, Di Maria, Herrera, Verratti, Draxler and a host of other super- subs. The team definitely could cause a nightmare for any opponent. An unconfirmed report revealed that the coach seems not to be done yet. He was planning to add CR7 !
Football match is won by goals. The team with the higher number of goals wins the encounter within the stipulated 90 minutes of play. As a professional Sportsman and sport analyst, football is not won only by sheer mother luck. Victory in a duel is a product of many variables. Team work, technical instructions, team spirit, physical fitness, fans, motivation and a host of others. Based on this premise, winning leagues back to back or in succession for about a decade may be a tall dream for PSG in spite of the personalities in the team. Victory is not automatic.
From the above fact, the coach has boxed himself to a corner. Every fan of PSG would want him to win every match. Of truth, he has no reason to fail. His team should not fumble and wobble. What else does he want that has not been provided ! Football fans have an insatiable appetite. They are always sentimental about winning whereas, that is practically impossible in Sports. Before you know it, they might be sooner than later, calling for the head of the coach. Hosanna today….crucify him tomorrow!
My fear may not be unfounded anyway. Like I wrote above, winning streak is not an easy task. One thing is the presence of fantastic players in a team, another is the ability of the coach to harness the potentials inherent in his individual players.
A team that works together wins together.
I am not in any way doubting the coaching dexterity of the Argentine. Verily, verily, he has a lot to do because; to whom much is given, much is expected.
PSG coach has so much to contend with. The first is the individual ego of his players. This is natural. Cohesion and team work are another. As it is, it is difficult to build the team around a particular player. While Lionel Andres Messi was at Barca, he was the cynosure of all eyes. The team revolved around him. He may not enjoy such any longer.
Another factor is the supremacy tussle and inferiority complex that do exist in a team. The relatively known players have this psychological reservation within them. Messi and Sergio Ramos are big guys. But as far as PSG is concerned, some players are their seniors in the team. This might pose a problem. Arguably, the new world stars are professionals; they should be matured enough to handle such case.
Also, there is no way Mbappe would relinquish jersey no 10 for Messi. Jersey no 7 was withdrawn from Cuadrado and handed over to Cristiano Ronaldo in Juventus, Jersey no 9 was pulled off from Martial for Cavani in my Man U. These little things could cause skirmishes.
Captainship is another crucial decision. Presently, Marquinos is the schemer. It would look odd to retrieve the armband from his biceps muscle for either Ramos or Messi. But can the captain control the duo while in action!
The coach needs wisdom.
Be that as it may, attention would undoubtedly shift to Parc De Princess stadium in the next French league.
Already, football lovers in Nigeria have been decamping. Rasaki Gbadamosi Baba Aluta has vowed never to support foreign teams again except Shooting Stars, Isiaka Onaolapo is pitching tent with Ekiti Bombers while Afolabi Azeez has defected from Gunners to Man-U. Adeoye Felix and Sangolade Soji have chosen to remain with Arsenal while Segun Olayera has followed Messi to PSG. The duo of Jide Lawal and Jide Dahunsi have moved to Juventus while Busari Ademola and Saliu Muniru are still with Kano Pillars.
Meanwhile, Olagoke Abidemi, the proprietor of Atorise Comprehensive College at Olorunda Abaa of Lagelu West LCDA has made a promise that he would influence Chelsea FC to establish a football academy at his school. He is certainly a lover of sports .
Comrade Lekan Badmus is a Sport and Education Consultant and a Public Opinion Analyst.
