PSG boss Tuchel hails ex-Man Utd star Ander Herrera for ‘dying in the dressing room’ in amazing display vs Rennes
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PSG boss Thomas Tuchel has hailed former Manchester United star Ander Herrera who 'died in the dressing room' after a tireless performance against Rennes.
The Ligue 1 holders ran out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from another ex-United player in Angel Di Maria but it was Herrera who drew the most attention from his manager for a lung-busting display.
And it was an important win for Paris-Saint Germain amid an injury crisis which has left the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Marco Veratti on the sidelines.
Tuchel believes Herrera's energy made up for absentees and was instrumental in leaving PSG five points clear at the top.
The German boss said after the match: "Ander was dead before the match. He died in the dressing room tonight.
"What he did was exceptional. The same for Leandro Paredes.
"We played a really good Rennes team but we showed a good mentality and a collective effort. It was a great win."
Tuchel was also left impressed with the brace bagged by Di Maria, who was Herrera's teammate during his stint at Old Trafford.
The winger assisted the first goal when he intercepted the Rennes' goalkeeper's pass and nipped in to play it to Moise Kean.
The Everton loanee collected the pass before slamming a shot into the bottom corner.
Di Maria then made it 2-0 after 20 minutes when a brilliant pass by Herrera put him through on goal.
He audaciously chipped the keeper before watching the ball dip into the net.
The Argentine got PSG's third in the second half as he drove a wonderful low effort past the keeper.
It was a much-needed performance for the 32-year-old after he missed a crucial penalty in PSG's midweek Champions League loss to RB Leipzig.
Tuchel said: "Angel likes to play a lot to get his rhythm. He was suspended for four games and it was very difficult for him – and serious for us.
"After his missed penalty in Leipzig, which was a key moment, he was very sad. Today, he took his responsibilities and gave a good response.
"That’s sport. There will be difficult and sad moments, but you must get up. He did that and I’m very happy."
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The only downside for the manager was more injury concerns.
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He added: "Moise Kean took a lot of blows, and he already had pains before the match. We used him a lot and physically, he was exceptional. I hope there’s nothing too serious for him.
"Idrissa Gueye is suffering again with his hamstring, and for Thilo Kehrer, it’s the same groin injury. That means it’s grave. Alessandro Florenzi is not injured. He was very tired."