Former Liverpool star Gini Wijnaldum has admitted he is ‘not completely happy’ at the Parc des Princes after failing to make an impact on the French giants since leaving Anfield this summer. From being a critical member of Liverpool’s midfield for five seasons under Jurgen Klopp and helping them secure both the Premier League and Champions League trophies, Wijnaldum has since fallen down the pecking order for a regular midfield role since joining PSG.
He had left Anfield earlier this year after failing to agree terms on a new contract and opted to leave English football for the Parisian club but his new beginning in France has so far not anywhere near expectations as he has largely been peripheral in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.
Having only made 11 appearances in all competitions so far this season, Wijnaldum has played only a total of 502 minutes. The Dutchman is currently on international duty with Holland and is expected to play in their World Cup qualifier against Gibraltar on Monday night.
The 30-year-old admitted his start to life in France has been ‘difficult’ and that he’s not ‘completely happy’ at PSG.
“I can’t say I’m completely happy,” Wijnaldum said, 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.”
NOS further alleges that Pochettino apparently had ‘clear plans’ for Wijnaldum at the beginning of the season but the former Liverpool star has been ‘rarely discussed’ after Lionel Messi’s blockbuster entry as a free agent from Camp Nou.
To date, Wijnaldum has not completed even 90 minutes in PSG’s last six Ligue 1 matches and had to make do with only a measly 12 minutes against Manchester City in the Champions League encounter with Ander Herrera and Idrissa Gueye clearly preferred in midfield.
Holland boss Louis van Gaal admitted last week his concern over the lack of playing time his star midfielder and vice-captain is getting.
Speaking during the national team press conference, the former Manchester United boss 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.”