'A lack of respect' - PSG fans booing Lionel Messi at home games is wrong, says ex-Argentina assistant Claudio Gugnali

Claudio Gugnali, who used to the assistant coach to former Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella, believes it is disrespectful for Lionel Messi to be booed by Paris Saint-Germain’s supporters. The 34-year-old, who moved to PSG from Barcelona last summer, has come under heavy criticism for his underwhelming performances at the Ligue 1 club. Ad/> He has scored just seven goals since arriving in Paris and came under increased scrutiny following PSG’s exit at the Champions League Round of 16 stage to Real Madrid having missed a penalty in the first leg.

TransfersBarca, Real, Juve? Where should Pogba go to rebuild his career?21 HOURS AGO Messi was booed by PSG supporters during their 3-0 win over Bordeaux on March 13, but Gugnalli feels heckling him is not going to improve his performances. In an exclusive interview with Eurosport France, Gugnali also reveals what it is like to work with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner. How highly do you rate Messi? It’s hard for me to be impartial.

I’ve been lucky enough to coach him and keep a very strong relationship with him. I’ve never seen him play bad. But he’s just human after all.

He can’t always save us all. /> What do you think his mentality is like right now? Nobody should be satisfied from the situation, especially him. He’s very critical about his games and his performances.

How about his reputation in Argentina? He’s very happy to come here, which wasn’t always the case as sometimes playing for La Albiceleste have brought him tension. What about the physical side to his game? It has to do with mental more than with physical to my opinion. Sabella used to insist a lot about being balanced with emotions.