PSG have lost their Aurier of invincibility

LAURENT BLANC yesterday hit back at Serge Aurier after his disparaging remarks about colleagues at Paris Saint- Germain, including on the head coach himself.

Aurier’s comments have disrupted the club’s preparations for tonight’s Champions League clash with Chelsea and the right- back has been suspended.

Aurier, 23, apologised after a live questionand- answer session on the Periscope social media site during which he insulted Blanc and several PSG players, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Angel Di Maria.

At yesterday’s press conference, PSG told the media Blanc, above, would answer only one question on Aurier but the former France coach returned to the subject time and again.

“How did I react? Very badly,” said Blanc. “This is a democracy, we are free to think what we think, we can have our own opinions.

“[ But] that guy, that boy... two years ago I committed myself to make him come to Paris and when I think what I saw yesterday was all the thanks I got, that’s pitiful.

“He’s a boy that should be preparing today for a last- 16 game of the Champions League.

“That would have been better than staying at home not knowing what to do.

“The player is a big boy, he can do what he wants but he’s penalising the club through the image he gives and what he said.” Blanc also promised to address Aurier directly. “If he has a problem with me, I won’t use you journalists to handle the problem. That’s for sure,” said Blanc.

Aurier said: “I did something really idiotic… I apologise to my team- mates, the coach, the club and the supporters.

“Especially the coach, I can only thank him for all he has done for me… I accept all consequences.”

Aurier’s place will be taken by Dutchman Gregory van der Wiel or Brazilian Marquinhos, who is thought to be a Chelsea target.

Blanc does not believe the incident will weaken his team but said: “I don’t think any club is immune from those things, with social media. We’re never safe.”