Former Champions League winners Wayne Rooney and Clarence Seedorf have criticised the defending during PSG’s enthralling 5-4 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final first leg, arguing that neither side will be happy despite taking part in a European game for the ages.
The holders edged out the German champions after a superb contest in Paris, with PSG taking a slender one-goal lead into next week’s second leg at the Allianz Arena.
But it could have been even better for the Parisians, who were 5-2 up in the 58th minute before conceding twice in three minutes to give allow Bayern back into the tie.
And despite plenty of attacking quality being on show at the Parc des Princes as a record-equalling nine goals were scored in a European Cup semi-final tie, Rooney and Seedorf opted to focus on the defending, with the former saying that “there have got to be questions asked” of both sides.
“Both teams have got so much quality at the top end of the pitch that they probably forgot to defend a little bit,” said the former Man Utd striker on Amazon Prime at full-time.
“It was crazy, it was chaotic and we saw some great goals. [But] I just don’t see how, if you’re a player or a coach – no matter if you’ve won the game – how you can go into that dressing room after conceding four or five goals and be happy,” explained Rooney.
“There’s got to be questions asked, the defenders asking questions of the forwards, why they’re not helping them defend,” he added. “Some of the goals we’ve seen, at this level, we’ve seen some immature defending.
“I had some of my toughest games against [Bayern manager] Vincent Kompany. He was horrible to play against. When you watch that defending there was no communication. You need defenders talking, making it difficult for opposition to score. Look at the spaces! It’s the Champions League semis, you’re losing 4-2! Get back!” he added.
Four-time European Cup winner Seedorf agreed with Rooney, adding that he “can’t believe a word” of what Kompany was saying as the Belgian declared that he saw some good defending from his side.
“Defending isn’t just about sitting low. That is not about defending. It is about the basics of defending. I can’t believe a word of what he’s saying about him being happy how they defended. I can’t believe that today. You have to have organisation, defending is organisation, you can defend high, a little bit lower, or very low” said Seedorf.
Bayern captain Harry Kane also praised his side’s defending at times, though Rooney did not believe his compatriot either.
“I love Harry Kane but there is no way he can be praising his defenders. The defending from both teams was really bad from both teams, I think he is being modest there,” he explained.
Bayern’s two late goals mean that they are still in the tie ahead of the second leg on Wednesday 6 May, and while the Bavarians will head into that match behind on aggregate, Rooney believes that the German side are still slight favourites.
“I think Bayern Munich are in the driving seat because they are going to their home stadium where it is a really tough atmosphere,” said the former England captain.
“They are probably a bit more balanced as well. But they have to defend better.”