Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar (L) and Paris Saint-Germain's German coach Thomas Tuchel react at the end of the UEFA Champions League Group C football match between Paris Saint-Germain and SSC Napoli at the Parc des Princes stadium, in Paris, on October 24, 2018. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
PSG fans not shy to voice displeasure with Neymar
PSG supporters welcome the absent Neymar with chants and less than flattering banners.
PSG began their Ligue 1 campaign against Nimes but the game was almost lost in the background as the Neymar rumors continue to make front-page news. The latest has the Parisian side negotiating with both Barcelona and Real Madrid with PSG preferring to sell to Florentino Perez. Neymar was not included in the matchday squad as the club do not want him to get injured as they work on an outcome that benefits all those involved.
His absence was not lost on the PSG supporters, however.
During their match, the PSG faithful serenaded Neymar with less than flattering words.
They also included a banner which, according to AS, read words such as “Neymar get out” and “Get lost Neymar” among others. While some may call these actions disrespectful, and to an extent it is, it is not wholly unexpected.
PSG signed Neymar two years ago for €222 million with the ambition that he would help deliver them a Champions League title. So far, both he and the club have fallen well short of their goal. He’s been injured in both his seasons with PSG and both times during their run in the Champions League. He infamously had a dust-up with Edinson Cavani and the two have a frosty relationship at best. He’s also missed games in order to attend his sister’s birthday party.
He also has not been shy in making his desire for a move public. When asked to describe one of his best football memories, he chose Barcelona’s 6-1 comeback against PSG. Sure, Neymar was instrumental in that but it’s not the most subtle way to take a shot at your current club.
Thomas Tuchel was asked about the absence of the Brazilian star as well as his future.
According to Goal, he said, “I have no news on his future. He is with us. He was very decisive for us. If we lose Neymar, maybe I will not sleep. Because it would be hard to lose him and find another player who can do the same things for us. Maybe no news is good news.”
It has not been ruled out that he may wind up staying at PSG when all things are said and done. If he does end up staying, it’s evident that Neymar will need to earn the respect of the fan base back. At the same time, this simply adds more incentive for his agents and entourage to get a deal done.
