The return of the MMN means defeat for PSG

The return of Neymar as a starter against Nantes meant the return of the “MMN” in attack, a magical trio that, despite their extraordinary talent, supposed a condition when defending. Pochettino’s men succumbed 3-1 against Les Canaris in a two-way match in which the lack of defensive commitment of PSG’s three attacking players was once again evident.

The great victim of Neymar’s return was Di María. The Argentine had emptied himself in the pressure against Real Madrid last week, but this Saturday he was a substitute in favor of the Brazilian. Without El Fideo on the field, PSG constantly split in twoallowing Nantes to go on the counterattack quite easily. It was PSG’s third loss so far this season (Rennes, City and Nantes) and it was the third loss for the starting attacking trio.

From November 28 to February 20, when Neymar was injured, PSG were undefeated in all competitions. So far in 2022, the Parisians had barely conceded two goals, conceding three goals against Nantes in just 45 minutes. Pochettino’s great incentive before the match at the Bernabéu will be to try to get Neymar, Messi and Mbappé involved in defensive tasks to avoid setbacks like the one at Nantes.