The 30-year-old arrived at PSG as a high profile signing but has managed to play only 502 minutes in all competitions so far.
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Georginio Wijnaldum has admitted that he is not completely happy at his new club Paris Saint-Germain. The Dutchman who made the move to Paris this summer from Liverpool is struggling to get regular game time since the start of the season. He has been on the periphery of the head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s plans. Meanwhile he was a critical member of the Liverpool side for five seasons under Jurgen Klopp and played a pivotal role in their Champions League and Premier League triumphs. However he left Anfield after failing to agree on new contract terms.
The 30-year-old arrived at PSG as a high profile signing to boost their chances of winning a continental trophy. However, so far he has made only 11 appearances in all competitions and has chalked up just 502 minutes. Currently he is on international duty with Netherlands and is expected to play their World Cup qualifier against Gibraltor on Monday.
“I can’t say I’m completely happy,” Wijnaldum said, about his start of life at PSG according to NOS.
“Because the situation is not what I wanted. But that’s football and I’ll have to learn to deal with that. I’m a fighter. I have to stay positive and work hard to turn it around.
“I have played a lot in recent years, was always fit and also did very well. This is something different and that takes getting used to.
“I was really looking forward to the new step and then this happens. It is very difficult.”
As per the reports of NOS, Pochettino had clear plans for Wijnaldum at the start of the season but since the arrival of Lionel Messi from Barcelona the Dutchman has rarely been discussed.
Wijnaldum has not completed 90 minutes in PSG’s last six league games and played only 12 minutes against Manchester City in the Champions League group stage encounter, which the Parisians won 2-0. He was also a late substitute during PSG’s shock defeat against Rennes before the international break.
As of now, it looks like Ander Herrera and Idrissa Gueye are getting the nod ahead of the Dutchman in midfield. Herrera has been in very good form for PSG since the start of the season, having scored four goals and registered two assists in all competitions.
Wijnaldum is a box-to-box hardworking midfielder who has got very good physical strength and endurance level. Apart from his ability to make attacking runs he is also capable of dropping back and helping the defence whenever needed.
PSG are currently placed on top of the Ligue 1 points table with 24 points, having won eight of the nine games. They will next Angers after the international break on Saturday before hosting RB Leipzig in the Champions League group stage fixture on October 20.
Meanwhile he is the vice captain of his national team and has been a pivotal part of the side. Therefore Holland’s boss Louis van Gaal has admitted that he is concerned about the lack of playing time for his star midfielder.
Speaking during the national team press conference, Van Gaal said: “Of course I’m worried.
“I already talked to him about that when I arrived. But the alarm bells are not going off yet.”
