Since his arrival, free, from Liverpool last summer, Georginio Wijnaldum has struggled to convince despite undeniable qualities that he was able to demonstrate, in particular, during the last Euro with the Dutch selection.
At a press conference on Tuesday at the Red Bull Arena before facing Leipzig on Wednesday night, the 30-year-old midfielder was able to comment on his delicate debut with PSG.
Above all, it demands time.
“The most important thing is first to learn from my partners, in matches and every day in training.
I have to adapt to them, to their way of playing.
It's a new start for me, a new club, with a new manager and a new staff, ”he reminded the assembly that came to question him in Germany.
"If you have Messi in your team, you are necessarily stronger"
The former Newcastle player spoke about his versatility when asked what it feels like to be three behind.
“For me, it doesn't make a big difference.
The most important thing is the team and not the individual cases.
I don't have a problem with playing in different systems.
I have played in several systems and several positions, I have no problem with that.
"
He also recalled that “before winning the Champions League in Liverpool, we had progressed over the past seasons.
It's really difficult to compare the two teams, ”he said, stressing that the Reds have had“ four years to progress together when this is the beginning.
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Regarding the absence of Lionel Messi, Wijnaldum said: “All the teams are better with Messi, but for him, it's the same, he is in a new team, he has just arrived.
He has to adapt to the team.
I think and I hope that his absence will not be too penalizing tomorrow because it is only the beginning, but as I explained, if you have Messi in your team you are necessarily stronger.
"
This Wednesday, PSG will however be able to count on Kylian Mbappé who has recovered from his ENT infection.
Wijnaldum describes the Frenchman as an “exceptional” player.