Neymar is reportedly back in Paris today, and while he’s not expected to return to action immediately, there’s still hope he can play in PSG’s final league game, away at Caen. Neymar has been out injured since the end of February after fracturing his fifth metatarsal and flying back to Brazil to have it surgically repaired and treated.
When asked about Neymar’s return to France, outgoing PSG coach Unai Emery said: “He needs to be left alone to work with the physios, but we also want him to be with us for the last match.”
Emery, who is leaving PSG at the end of this season, also recently admitted that his underwhelming second season at the Parc des Princes was largely due to his diminishing influence in the PSG dressing room. PSG were knocked out of the Champions League Round of 16 by Real Madrid following Neymar’s injury, and it’s believed this failure is the reason for Emery’s departure.
When asked to elaborate on PSG’s current leadership structure, Emery said: “One day, (ex-Real Madrid sporting director) Jorge Valdano made me think by saying: 'In Barcelona, the leader is Lionel Messi. At Real Madrid it is the president Florentino Perez. At Atletico, it is their coach Diego Simeone.’ So, each time, a different leadership profile. My opinion is that the leader at PSG is Neymar. Or, more precisely, will be called Neymar because he is in the process of becoming that."
What exactly does this mean for Neymar, and more specifically, the future of PSG as an organization? At this point, it’s hard to tell — considering it seems like every other week Neymar is linked with a move to England or Real Madrid.
Perhaps the most exciting moment in PSG's season. Photo: @Football_Talk | Twitter
Will Neymar have any input in who becomes the next PSG manager? The current rumored front runner, Thomas Tuchel, isn’t known to have any relationship with Neymar, so it seems unlikely the board have sought his input directly.
And what about the future of other players at PSG as it relates to Neymar? It is well known that he had a fallout with Edinson Cavani over penalty kick duties, and while they now seem to have reached a peaceful compromise (Cavani has recently stated that they’ve moved on), no one at PSG blatantly took Neymar’s side on the matter.
"A football worker"
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Considering they shelled out a world record 222 million euros on signing him from Barcelona, it seems strange that he’s had less direct influence. At this point, PSG have not bought or shown interest in any recruits Neymar has asked them for and it doesn’t seem like he has asked either.
Maybe Unai Emery’s comments stem from the anger and disappointment surrounding a failed European campaign and his imminent departure. And maybe the PSG board isn’t entirely confident that Neymar will be around for the long haul either.
Up to now, he hasn’t shown much passion or conviction in his love for PSG. In fact, prior to Neymar returning to Paris, it was speculated that he had no contact with his PSG teammates or coaches for weeks.
Either way, Neymar’s return while not be a direct boost to PSG’s season as they’ve already won the league and play in the French Cup final on Tuesday.
However, this news should excite Brazil fans as he’ll be ready for the World Cup in just under six weeks time.
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