Topics: Angel Di Maria, Marquinhos, PSG, Nantes, Ligue 1
The Argentine's loved ones were victims of a burglary during the 2-1 loss to Nantes and was taken off as a result.

PSG suffered a disappointing defeat in Sunday's Ligue 1 clash with Nantes, going 2-1 down at home against the relegation-battling side. Julian Draxler gave the French giants the lead right before the break but a 59th-minute Randal Kolo equalizer and a 71st-minute Moses Simon goal saw the visitors pull off the comeback and hand Pochettino's men their seventh defeat of the season.

Despite this stumble, the post-match conversation surrounded Angel Di Maria's unexpected substitution. Despite the score being tied at 1-1 and PSG being in need of a goal, the Argentine playmaker was taken off right around the hour mark after an eye-catching discussion between sporting director Leonardo and Pochettino. 

The Brazilian executive was seen visibly flustered during a phone call before engaging in dialogue with the Argentine manager. Shortly afterwards, Di Maria was taken off the pitch and was escorted straight down the tunnel, with Pochettino returning alone to the dugout a while later.

It didn't take long for the details to emerge as it was soon revealed that Di Maria's family had been victims of a home break-in. This news was relayed to Leonardo and the higher-ups wasted no time in withdrawing El Fideo as his family were present at the house during the robbery, a burglary that RMC described as "very violent".

Other sources claim Di Maria's family were unaware of the incident as they were in a different part of the house. Regardless, the Argentine was said to have left the stadium immediately to check up on his loved ones.

Speaking after the final whistle, Pochettino admitted that this worrisome development aided in their defeat, saying: 

"It's not an excuse but there was a drop in energy. We talked about things other than football after the game in the locker room."

"The truth is that the first period we controlled the match, but after the equalizer, we had trouble and we were not strong enough to hang onto this match."

What makes this more concerning is that Di Maria wasn't the only PSG player targeted during this game as Marquinhos' parents were also burglarized. The Brazilian's father was hit multiple times by the criminals and was locked in a dressing room alongside the defender's two daughters as the house was being robbed. Fortunately, no one was seriously harmed during this break-in.