PSG boss Tuchel opens up on failed Neymar to Barcelona transfer and how he agreed with ace

Posted Sunday, September 29, 2019 by Express.co.uk

PSG boss Tuchel opens up on failed Neymar to Barcelona transfer and how he agreed with ace (Image: GETTY)

PSG star Neymar was continuously linked with a return to Barcelona during the summer transfer window.

Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel has spoken about Neymar’s failed return to Barcelona over the summer.

Neymar left Barcelona in 2017 to join PSG however has been regularly linked with a return to Spain.

Real Madrid were also believed to be keen on the forward over the summer after he helped PSG to the Ligue 1 title last season.

And Tuchel has now spoken about the saga, and revealed that both he and Neymar agreed that there was little that could be done by either of them.

“I had not so many one on one chats that everybody thinks because between us not a lot of things changed,” Tuchel told beIN SPORTS.

“I knew about his wish to change clubs, he knew I did not like this. That for me was not the moment and not the decision to do.

“He knew clearly that I did not want this but we both know it’s not my decision and not his decision in the end.

“He needs a club to pay the price and needs our club to say yes.

“We accepted that, and that it’s not our level. And we should not let it affect our relationship with the level above [PSG and Barcelona boards] because there’s still the possibility we will work together.

“It would be stupid to let it have an affect on us and our personal relationship.

“The second thing was that the club decided to have a clear policy. If he does not say yes I stay, he will not play. So it helped me to put my focus totally on the group.

“It was not every week does he play, does he not play. It was clear from top down and helped me a lot.

“The guy was here, was always here in training and has a good heart.

“Sometimes it’s a bit hard to see when you watch him that he is a nice guy, but he is. It’s not hard to stay close to him and convince him to do the right stuff.

“I told him when the thing is over that you think the hardest bit is over but you have to deal with me now. I will push you hard.”

Neymar has returned to the PSG fold, though supporters have unfurled banners showing their disdain towards the Brazilian.

Tuchel added: “It’s not easy. The supporters express their opinions and I understand that and it’s their right. They are very proud of their club. It’s not nice if you hear your player talking for weeks and weeks that it’s not good enough and I want to leave.

“Sometimes you have to face the truth and deal with the reactions. But we are here now and it’s my job to push him.”