If the sellout crowd at the Robert-Bobin stadium in Bondoufle had their way, Neymar Jr. would be in the starting lineup for Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday for the club’s Coupe de France match against ESA Linas-Montlhéry.
The Brazilian reported to training earlier this week on time and participated without issue but if it were up to me, Neymar wouldn’t go anywhere near this game and you wouldn’t have to ask me twice about my feelings on the matter.
At his pre-match press conference, manager Thomas Tuchel took a different approach than I would. When asked about Neymar’s availability for the match—and his extracurricular activities during the holiday break—the former Borussia Dortmund boss pretended as though he hadn’t decided whether Neymar would play or not. Here is what he said as reported by Le Parisien.
Neymar took advantage of the break. What did you think about it? Can he afford to have a healthy lifestyle?
“I don’t look at these things. They had an individual program. Ney had personal trainers with him, he did the individual work. He was in a good frame of mind. Holidays are made to enjoy. He can play but we haven’t decided yet.”
I sincerely hope Tuchel is joking. What do you mean you haven’t decided yet? Neymar cost €222 million and has struggled with injuries for the past two years at this very point in the season. I’m pretty sure PSG Talk contributors could get together to give Linas-Montlhéry a competitive match.
Some may say that Tuchel is being professional and not wanting to give too much away before the match but come on, you don’t need to play mind games when you’re playing a team full of amateurs.
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
