Matuidi, known for his relentless work rate on the pitch, surprised everyone when he requested to be substituted. Initially, it seemed like an abrupt decision, but his young teammate Adrien Rabiot clarified that Matuidi was dealing with a cold. Despite facing challenges in the game, Matuidi played valiantly, contributing to managing the team’s numerical disadvantage after playing with 10 men in the second half.
Rabiot commented on Matuidi’s situation, stating, “He really couldn’t take it anymore… He had a cold. It wasn’t his place to go out. But now, he really couldn’t take it anymore. He always does little things for us. He always has something, but it’s nothing serious. He’s warm again and he’s feeling better.”
Coach Laurent Blanc also addressed Matuidi’s exit, emphasizing that it was unplanned. Thiago Motta was initially supposed to be substituted, but Matuidi approached the bench due to not feeling well. Blanc suggested that Matuidi might have caught a cold from his intense efforts on the field.
Although Matuidi did not appear in front of the press after the match, his condition reportedly reassured the entire locker room, and the coach expressed confidence that it was nothing serious.
