Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Aminata Diallo has, through her lawyer, denied the accusations made against her regarding the attack on teammate Kheira Hamraoui last week.

The statement, published via AFP, comes after Diallo was held in police custody for 35 hours after being arrested on Wednesday morning for a suspected link to the attack, which reportedly happened while she was at the wheel. Hamraoui had been dragged out of the car as the two were returning from a team dinner and struck on the legs by two masked men with an iron bar.

“Aminata Diallo deplores the perfectly artificial dramatisation of a rivalry between her and Kheira Hamraoui which would justify her taking it out on her teammate. This theory does not correspond in any way to the true nature of their relationship.”

“Other much more serious leads are now being looked at by investigators, which do not implicate my client in any way.”

“Aminata Diallo regrets the media uproar which had already sentenced her, with no basis, and she would like to emphasise that she will not hesitate to defend her rights through legal action, if necessary, against all defamation.”

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Her lawyer has also added that the 26-year-old fully cooperated with authorities while in custody, answering without a lawyer. Diallo was released yesterday afternoon with no charges pressed against her.

Speaking to Le Parisien, Paris Saint-Germain Director of Sport Leonardo has lamented the fact that both Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes will leave for Argentina duty this week, despite being injured.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner has been undergoing treatment for a knee and hamstring issue, while his compatriot has only just returned to training after recovering from a thigh injury.

The Argentina staff are looking to have the two players back to fitness for the match on November 17 against Brazil, although for the fixture against Uruguay four days earlier their appearance appears unlikely.

The Brazilian has complained that clubs are made to bend to the will of a country’s medical staff, having preferred that the two continue their treatment in Paris.

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“We do not agree with letting a player leave for international duty who, for us, is not in physical condition or is at the recovery stage. It’s not logical, and these kinds of situations merit that we establish a rule with FIFA.”

BREST – 4 (Mounie 3, Chardonnet 13, Faivre 33, Le Douaron 69)

Marco Bizot, 6

Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel, 5

Christophe Hérelle, 6 – His return from long injury issues has unsurprisingly coincided with Brest’s improved form in recent games and it was his pivotal last ditch sliding goal line block that halted Frankowski’s shot at 1-0.

Brendan Chardonnet, 6 – He’s grown into a real leader for Brest in recent times and added the second here via his back from Faivre’s corner.

Jean-Kévin Duverne, 5

Haris Belkebla, 6

Lucien Agoume, 6

Jérémy Le Douaron, 7 – Brest’s scouting of Le Douaron has been a key plot line in their recent success. Picked up from third tier Stade Briochin with no major experience in 2020, he’s looked lively and inventive when given the chance and it was his cross that assisted the opener here. Held off Danso to smash home a fourth too.

Romain Faivre, 7 – Not decisive often enough this year but he certainly was here. It was his whipped corner that assisted Chardonnet’s second before he beautifully shaped a third from the edge of the area.

Franck Honorat, 7 – Perhaps lacked tangible output here given how impressive Brest where in dismantling Lens before half time, even if his simple pass setup Faivre’s third, but his interplay, pass picking and drive from his flank propelled Brest forward once more. Many talk more about Favire, but Honorat is Brest’s true key man. Although he should score when clean through in the second half.

Steve Mounie, 6 – Not the most prolific during his Brest stay but he provides a useful focal point for a lively attacking midfield trio and his clever stooped header made it 1-0 here.

Others: Del Castillo 5, Brassier 5, Cardona 5.

LENS – 0

Jean-Louis Leca, 5

Jonathan Gradit, 4

Kevin Danso, 3

Facundo Medina, 2 – Traditionally a weak link in Lens’ side and so it proved again here. His defending is often madcap and reckless and he is far too easily flustered and forced into making a poor decision.

Cheick Doucouré, 3

Seko Fofana, 5 – Improved after half time where he was a threat, hitting the post as he started to exert his influence but lacked the fire in his eyes seen during the rest of 2021 before the break and was party to some static defensive work.

Przemysław Frankowski, 4

Jonathan Clauss, 3

Gaël Kakuta, 3

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Corentin Jean, 3

Ignatius Ganago, 4 – His movement was troublesome but he should’ve scored twice, once via a side footed finish at the near post from Jean’s cross and then as his toe-poke hit the post before half time.

Others: Kalimuendo 2, Da Costa 5, Haidara 5, Boli 5.

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PSG – 3 (Mbappé 2, Appiah OG 81, Messi 87)

Keylor Navas, 2– Had very little to do until he wildly charged off his line just after the hour to recklessly foul Blas as he ran through, resulting in the goalkeepers’ dismissal.

Achraf Hakimi, 6

Thilo Kehrer, 6 – Maybe could have reacted faster to Blas’ run that resulted in the red card but was relatively solid overall by his weak standards and made one superb flying block on a goal bound Kolo-Muani shot at 1-0.

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Abdou Diallo, 5

Juan Bernat, 5

Leandro Paredes, 5

Marco Verratti, 5

Idrissa Gueye, 6

Neymar, 7 – Faded after half time and was eventually subbed but enjoyed a riotous first half in full showman mode with some delightful passing, link-up and deft flicks around the box.

Kylian Mbappé, 7 – If he truly meant to flick Paredes’ early shot home, it’s an outrageous piece of skill and he showed flashes of that brilliance throughout, especially in linking with Messi and Neymar before the break. Could have perhaps directly affected the game more overall, however, and only just makes 7.

Lionel Messi, 8 – Not quite classic Messi, but not far off. Were it not for two stunning Lafont saves he would have had a hat-trick but he finally won the battle with a silky run and shaped finish late on. His display was reminiscent of those he produced in La Liga on a weekly basis for Barcelona – effortless brilliance.

Others: Rico 6, Danilo 5, Wijnaldum 5.

NANTES – 1 (Kolo-Muani 76)

Alban Lafont, 8 – PSG would have been out of sight by the time Nantes equalised were it not for four superb first half saves from Lafont, one from each of the front three plus a world class right fist to stop Messi who found himself clean through early on. A second half intervention on a Hakimi cross to prevent a certain Messi goal also stood out.

Sébastien Corchia, 4

Jean-Charles Castelletto, 5

Andrei Girotto, 4

Fábio Da Silva, 4

Samuel Moutoussamy, 6 – He’s long been an underrated player at the club and was loaned out last season but has returned with a calmness and maturity not seen before in France and here he used the ball neatly when given the chance and got through substantial midfield work.

Pedro Chirivella, 5

Ludovic Blas, 5

Marcus Coco, 5

Randal Kolo-Muani, 6 – After a glorious start to the season his form has fluctuated of late and both versions of Kolo-Muani were on display here. He did brilliantly to react to his header being saved by Rico to confidently backheel home but also woefully missed his kick as ball fell too him in the area soon after. Overall, however, he was central to Nantes’ second half mini-revival.

Kalifa Coulibaly, 4

Others: Appiah 5, Bukari 5, Merlin 5, Geubbels 5, Cyprien 5.

Speaking to AFP – transcribed in L’Équipe – Paris Saint-Germain Director of Sport Leonardo has explained that he has not been in contact with Zinédine Zidane for the World Cup winner to take over as manager, nor has Mauricio Pochettino asked to leave the club.

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The Argentina manager had been strongly linked to a move back to the Premier League, notably to the currently-vacant Manchester United job. Le Parisien had reported earlier in the week that talks had been held with Zinédine Zidane, who would be the club’s first choice to replace the former Tottenham Hotspur man.

“We don’t want Pochettino to leave. He has never asked to leave and no club has contacted us regarding him.

“We have a lot of respect for Zinédine Zidane, for what he’s done as a player and as a manager, but I can very clearly tell you that there has been no contact, nor has any meeting with him been held.”

Speaking with L’Équipe, Bordeaux owner Gérard Lopez discussed the club’s transfer plans, explaining: “It’s like a puzzle. When you put the pieces on the table, you start with the edges.” 

The club was very active last summer during the transfer window. Will this again be the case this winter?“There may be some adjustments to be made but what’s needed, above all, is that the players we have signed get into a rhythm. Alberth Elis was injured, he has just scored four goals in five matches, [M’Baye] Niang has just arrived, Fransérgio came from another league, he’s starting to adapt.”

Does the large number of loan players and at the end of their contracts make things more difficult?“No, it is, above all, a question of knowledge of the league. Ligue 1 has this image of being the fifth best European league and therefore, in theory, weaker. It is not the case at all. A player I really like, Cesc Fabregas, has had a hard time at Monaco because people don’t realize the physical aspect of this league. Our project means that there has been significant turnover in the squad. This is what we have to work on.”

You have often highlighted your know-how, which proved its worth at Lille, but the amount of investment in launching your project was not the same. Can the Lille method really be applied to Bordeaux?“[The situations are] very comparable because the approach is the same. It’s the market that’s different. Three years ago, we were looking for players at €9m. Today, it’s €3m or €4m. In Lille, the results rose to a crescendo after a difficult first season. It’s similar here. We go transfer window by transfer window, adjusting. It’s like a puzzle. When you put the pieces on the table, you start with the edges. This is what we’re doing.”

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SAINT-ÉTIENNE – 1 (Bouanga 23)

Etienne Green, 9 – The Englishman made a host of superb saves. An early stop from Mbappé with his foot, a hand ahead of Mbappé on a dangerous cross and especially a stunning low hand from Mbappé at close range again stood out and that was just the first half. A similar second half palm to stop Neymar scoring was a highlight. Can’t be blamed for the goals. Outstanding overall.

Alpha Sissoko, 3 – Struggled with Mbappé during the first half and was lucky not to see a second yellow before he was withdrawn for fear of a red at the break.

Mickaël Nadé, 6

Timothée Kolodziejczak, 5 – Very unlucky to be sent off just before half time as the last man for a foul on Mbappé with Nade covering.

Miguel Trauco, 5

Yvann Maçon, 5

Mahdi Camara, 6 – ASSE looked far more comfortable with him back in midfield, after being used at right-back due to injuries of late, and his crucial tackle on Messi, who was about to shoot and probably score at 1-1, was key at the time.

Ryad Boudebouz, 6 – Limped off in the final quarter of the game but his rejuvenation continued with some neat build up play in central areas and, much like Khazri, has managed to greatly amp up his intensity of play.

Adil Aouchiche, 4 – Talented but typically erratic here and his expected progress continues to elude him. Withdrawn at half time with ASSE down to ten men.

Denis Bouanga, 6 – A threat on the counter throughout and stole in tuck home a rebound for 1-0 early on.

Wahbi Khazri, 6 – Continuing his superb form this season his lovely shaped ball created the ASSE goal while his interplay with Bouanga on the counter was a threat, even after the sending off.

Others: Moukoudi 6, Zaydou 4, Gourna 5, Calodat 5.

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PSG – 3 (Marquinhos 45+1, 90+1, Di Maria 78)

Gianluigi Donnarumma, 5

Achraf Hakimi, 4

Marquinhos, 8 – Perhaps not his most commanding defensive display but effectively won PSG the game with the front three misfiring for long periods via two superb headers. The long range headed equaliser was the goal of the game.

Sergio Ramos, 4 – Clearly not fit, the game seemed to happen around him and he was fortunate PSG played much of the game with ten men as he might have been exposed had the first half pattern of play continued.

Juan Bernat, 5

Danilo Pereira, 5

Idrissa Gueye, 5

Ángel Di María, 6 – Having not started any of the last three games, he was a prominent creative influence here and he stole in at the back post for the crucial second goal.

Neymar, 3 – Little to no impact as a goal threat and was anonymous creatively for long spells before he was subbed towards the end with injury.

Lionel Messi, 6 – For well over the first hour it was by far Lionel Messi’s worst PSG display to date. He sauntered around on auto pilot and his passes were often over hit while Di Maria took over as the main creator. He also managed to pull PSG’s best chance wide with Green out of position and his mis-control squandered another big opening after a mis-placed ASSE pass. However, being probably the greatest player of all time, he still managed to contribute three assists. His free kick set up the equaliser and he found free man Di Maria for 2-1 before crossing for Marquinhos’ sealer.

Kylian Mbappé, 3 – Looked tired and his finishing was worrying wasteful at times with Green getting the better of him. Green’s low save to his left was outstanding but several other major chances were squandered, a sliced volley wide stood out.

Others: Paredes 5, Ebimbe 5.

Reacting to Bordeaux’s home defeat to Brest this afternoon, club president Gérard Lopez has criticised the players’ attitude after giving up a half-time lead.

His words transcribed in L’Équipe, the owner lamented an ongoing issue at the club with regard to the players’ willingness to fight for results.

“The players’ attitude is unacceptable. We are in complete comfort, and that’s what penalised us today. We again showed our arrogance. It was already the case at Metz and it’s started again today. It shows that there is an issue which we are going to resolve together.”

“The problem is not a question of talent. We just have to show more desire on the pitch. We have to show desire to win, to fight, to run into challenges, to get hurt ourselves but also hurt the opponent.”

“Defeats are always possible, and we had a few which we didn’t deserve. But a defeat like today’s isn’t acceptable at all. Everyone needs to take a good look at themselves quickly. We have to show pride in order to honour the Girondins de Bordeaux badge.”

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In speaking with L’Équipe, Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas (72) discussed the departure of club legend turned sporting director, Juninho Pernambucano.

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Juninho is going to leave. How does this make you feel?“I’m sorry on a human level. He’s a quality person… He wants to rest and look to become a coach instead. But Lyon will always welcome him when he wants to come back. He’s one of those people who have participated in several victories, so we’re not going to take a negative position towards him at all.”

Do you regret his decision?“Yes, it’s regrettable, and I would’ve liked to have been warned beforehand… However, it doesn’t change our feelings towards Juni and he will always be at home here.”

Was the difficult relationship with [director of football] Vincent Ponsot the reason for his weariness?“Juni was tired, you could see it… He wasn’t happy, you could tell… he was struggling to take on a role in a large organization… It didn’t work, but that doesn’t make Juni a bad person, he’s a very good person and we will do everything to keep him close to OL.”

Speaking to L’Équipe, Lille centre-back José Fonte (37) explained he took a pay cut to stay at Lille for this season and he hopes to stay in Lille for next season too but is keen for his future to be decided soon. 

Can you tell us why and how you extended so late at Lille for this season last summer?“We’d spoken with the president in February-March, there was a common desire to extend. He gave me the opportunity to continue… I thought I could keep my previous contract as it was but, in the end, I understood the president’s decision and why that was impossible. I was happy to continue, with 30% less salary perhaps, but I feel good here. I believe in our project. There was the Champions League too, that was one of the main reasons, and the geographical proximity to my family [in London]. It was the best compromise.”

Will you be at Lille next season?“I’m calm. I try to be good on the pitch. If so, of course, everything will happen. But I can’t wait until the end of the season. I want to know if the club wants to continue with me or not so I can talk about it with my family – my career plan. I need to be sure in January, February at the latest. If the management takes a different path, there will be no problem but I want to prepare. I want to play another season, here or elsewhere, that’s for sure.”

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