Mauricio Pochettino: Need to stay calm

PSG-Club Brugge 1-1 draw prompts Mauricio Pochettino to state that attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe still haven’t got time to know each other

Lionel Messi finally made his first start for PSG on Wednesday but the disjointed French giants had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Club Brugge in Belgium to begin their Champions League campaign. 

Ander Herrera gave PSG an early lead at the Jan Breydel Stadium only for Hans Vanaken to equalise for the home side, who were excellent and thoroughly deserved their point. Messi—who had played just 24 minutes as a substitute prior to this game—is still looking for his first goal for his new club although he hit the bar in the first half and tested Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet after the break before picking up a yellow card for a foul on Mats Rits.

Jack Grealish

However, it was not a convincing performance from the Parisians as coach Mauricio Pochettino lined up his star attacking trio of Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe together for the first time. Mbappe came off hurt in the second half. “We need time for them to get to know each other,” insisted Pochettino of his front three. “I am pleased with the effort. It wasn’t a great evening for us but we need to stay calm and keep working,” said Pochettino. “The most important thing is to get the necessary time. We will try to do better.”

Grealish stars for City

Meanwhile, Jack Grealish scored a superb first Champions League goal as Manchester City survived Christopher Nkunku’s hat-trick to beat RB Leipzig 6-3 in a pulsating Group A opener on Wednesday.  The England winger made the most of his first taste of the tournament’s bright lights with a brilliant solo effort in the second half. 

Grealish also set up City’s first goal for Nathan Ake with a pin-point corner. Nordi Mukiele’s own goal had doubled City’s lead before Riyad Mahrez, Joao Canceloa and Gabriel Jesus scored as City celebrated Guardiola’s 300th game in charge in fitting style.

Mauricio Pochettino

Jordan Henderson’s stunning strike ensured Liverpool came from behind to beat AC Milan once more with a pulsating 3-2 victory at Anfield to get their Champions League campaign off to a winning start. 

Reds spoil Milan’s return

Seven-time winners Milan were playing their first Champions League match for seven years and were given a rude awakening to the step up in class but for a two-minute spell before half-time that threatened to take the game away from Liverpool.

Fikayo Tomori inadvertently deflected in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s effort to put Liverpool in front but Mohamed Salah saw his penalty saved by Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The momentum swung sharply in Milan’s favour as Ante Rebic and Brahim Diaz struck twice in as many minutes before the break. Salah atoned with an equaliser on 49 minutes that was initially discounted for offside before Henderson drove in on the half-volley from the edge of the box.

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