Video: ‘He Needs Time’ – Mauricio Pochettino Comments on the Current Form of Georginio Wijnaldum

BRUGES - Georginio Wijnaldum of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League match between Club Brugge and Paris Saint-Germain at the Jan Breydel Stadium on September 15, 2021 in Bruges, Belgium. ANP/HH GERRIT VAN COLOGNE UEFA Champions League 2021/2022 xVIxANPxSportx/xGerritxvanxKeulenxIVx *** BRUGES Georginio Wijnaldum of Paris Saint Germain during the UEFA Champions League match between Club Brugge and Paris Saint Germain at the Jan Breydel Stadium on September 15, 2021 in Bruges, Belgium ANP HH GERRIT VAN COLOGNE UEFA Champions League 2021 2022 xVIxANPxSportx xGerritxvanxKeulenxIVxx 437698049

This summer, Georginio Wijnaldum became Paris Saint-Germain’s first transfer signing of the summer as the midfielder came over from Liverpool FC while also turning down FC Barcelona.

However, early in his tenure with the capital club, the 30-year-old has struggled. Nonetheless, during his press conference with the media, manager Mauricio Pochettino stated that Wijnaldum needs more time to adjust.

“Gini also arrived in the team with a lack of preparation. He needs time too. Then, there is an important thing to know: any transfer corresponds to a new sporting situation but also family, human, and this impacts any player arriving at the club especially without the pre-season preparation period,” Pochettino said.

“Indeed, the latter is not only used to work on the automatisms, the physique, and the tactics of a player, it is also used to allow the installation of the family.”

Pochettino touched on the personal life of Wijnaldum and believes once his family is settled in Paris, he’ll be performing at the level many saw at Liverpool.

“So when the players come in late, when they have to be competitive, when they have to get to know each other when they have to train when their families have to find a home, a school for the children, there are so many parameters that come into account – and I’m not saying this is an excuse – that you have to be very patient, very understanding,” Pochettino said.

“This adaptation time is necessary for the club, teammates, and families. As long as his family is not settled in his new life, it is difficult for a player to have the peace of mind to show all his qualities. We know that Wijnaldum can do a lot of different things for us in the game.”

Next week, Wijnaldum and PSG will face an opponent that he’s familiar with in Manchester City, so he’ll look to get back on track.

Tags Georginio Wijnaldum Mauricio Pochettino
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