A French football commentator unleashed harsh words about Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain). In contrast, coach Luis Enrique praised Lee Kang-in.

Football commentator Pierre Ménès stated in an interview released on the 23rd (Korean time) through multiple media outlets including France Football, "Lee Kang-in's abilities are in question. In particular, he is a player who does not fit PSG."

He added, "I don’t view Lee Kang-in as an incompetent player, but PSG is a stage that is too high for him," and asserted, "He is an ordinary type who does not leave a special impression in games. I don’t believe he has the talent to be a regular starter at PSG. Rather, he might show better performance at a team with less pressure."

He also added, "I have rarely seen Lee Kang-in's dribbling. Personally, I think his signing was a mistake for PSG."

Pierre Ménès, who once served as a representative commentator in French football broadcasting, was effectively ousted from the industry after being arrested by local police in 2021 on charges of sexual harassment against a colleague. Since then, he has continued his activities mainly on YouTube.

Amid the mixed external evaluations surrounding Lee Kang-in, the atmosphere within PSG is different.

Culture PSG reported on the 23rd that "PSG is preparing to extend Lee Kang-in's contract rather than a transfer." It noted, "He is not a guaranteed starter, but he is a player that coach Luis Enrique has a high regard for, and if Director General Luis Campos remains, the club is likely to enter contract negotiation talks."

Currently, Lee Kang-in is under contract with PSG until 2028 and has appeared in 42 official matches this season.

With the same number of appearances as Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé, it signifies that he has established himself as a key resource in the team in terms of match utilization. He has demonstrated versatility by playing as a central midfielder as well as a winger and false nine.

Coach Luis Enrique also expressed trust in Lee Kang-in. During an official press conference on the 22nd, he said, "Lee Kang-in has not only passing ability but also the capacity to change the flow of the game when he has the ball."

He continued, "The role he took on in the match against Le Havre was not a familiar position, but I believe players should be able to challenge themselves in new areas. A player who can cover various positions provides a lot of tactical flexibility."

Lee Kang-in has been receiving consistent playing time since returning from injury. He started in the 29th round away match against Nantes in Ligue 1 on the 23rd and assisted Vitinha's opening goal. PSG recorded a 1-1 draw, extending their unbeaten streak in away league matches to 39 games.

This achievement surpasses the record of 38 consecutive away matches without defeat set by AC Milan in 1993, making it the highest record in the five major leagues in Europe.

Despite the criticism, Lee Kang-in continues to make a tangible contribution at PSG, and his position within the club is gradually strengthening. He is recognized as an important asset in the long-term plans of the team, with tactical flexibility that allows for utilization in various ways.

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