THIS & THAT ON THE OVERSEAS FRONT

What PSG did to Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League Last 16 is still a shock to many people. PSG’s counter-attacking football really did damage to Barca’s slow and ageing defenders like Pique. The moment I saw Pique pulling Mbappe’s shirt, I knew that it was now time for him to retire. Now, imagine what will happen in the second leg, with the return of Neymar and Di Maria. Their pace against this chameleon defence will be devastating. Messi was nowhere to be seen. They even sent a rescue team and sniffer dogs to search for him on the field and he was nowhere to be found! I wish Messi could leave Nou Camp at the end of the season and see what will happen to Barca. It’s a shame because the poor guy is carrying the team by himself. If he doesn’t show up, then the whole team is demoralized. I so wish Mauricio Pochettino could tell his troops to kill the game in the first half. In the second half, they should wait for them to attack and quickly expose that slow defence with their pace. The aggregate score should be at least ±10 goals to PSG. Ntate Moleba, Seotloana, Tembisa

The absence of Henderson, Matip, Gomez and Van Dijk is being felt greatly at Liverpool as results are not going their way. Although the league is a marathon, it does not look like they will defend their title. They have now gone four league games without a victory. Earlier in the season, Burnley ended their 68-game unbeaten run at Anfield. On Saturday, they suffered another defeat in the Merseyside derby. Everton last won that derby in 1999. After missing a goal a minute into the game, Everton made up for that mistake in the third minute as Richarlison scored the opening goal. Everton’s defence stood firm, with the likes of Mane trying on several occasions to break through, but it was never to be. In one of his tweets, Salah promised Liverpool fans that they will fight until the bitter end, which gives a bit of hope. Bernard Tshukudu, Ga Maria

Diego Costa was ill-advised to leave Atletico Madrid without a healthy prospect for his next destination. It is regrettable to note that the former Chelsea forward is clubless, after he terminated his contract with Atletico Madrid in the hope of finding greener pastures. He is one of the examples of players who are now languishing in football wilderness after making emotional decisions, leaving their clubs because of