Paris Saint Germain vs Saint-Etienne - Unai Emery: Blaise Matuidi is happy

Posted Friday, September 09, 2016 by PA

Paris St Germain boss Unai Emery insists Blaise Matuidi is happy at the Parc des Princes.

The France international midfielder was the subject of reported interest from Juventus and Manchester United during the transfer window but PSG did not want to sell.

Emery told a press conference ahead of Friday's Ligue 1 clash with St Etienne: "He is happy at Paris St Germain. He is red and blue. On Wednesday, he had a good training session. He is ready physically and mentally. "

One player who did leave was defender David Luiz, who headed back to Chelsea on deadline day, leaving Emery short of defensive cover.

He is hopeful Thiago Silva will be fit to make his first appearance of the season on Friday while fellow centre-back Marquinhos will be assessed following his return from international duty.

The same applies to Edinson Cavani and Angel Di Maria while Maxwell, Jese and Javier Pastore are injury doubts.

One player definitely missing will be right-back Serge Aurier, who is also likely to sit out next week's Champions League opener against Arsenal, but Emery sees the 23-year-old as a potential replacement for Luiz.

The PSG boss said: "I wanted David Luiz to remain at Paris St Germain. It was important. He asked me to leave the day after the game against Monaco. We told him that if he wanted to leave, he could.

"Serge Aurier can evolve into a (central) defender with a little work. He can help the team when needed. "

The Ligue 1 champions suffered their first defeat of the season before the international break, losing 3-1 to Monaco.

Emery said: "We lost because we lacked tactical discipline, unlike the early season. The championship is the most important thing, even if the Champions League is very exciting."

St Etienne picked up four points from their first league three matches and could hand a debut to deadline-day signing Leo Lacroix in defence.

A victory on Friday would see St Etienne climb above PSG - who lost 3-1 to Monaco last time out - but coach Christophe Galtier admits his side will have their work cut out to inflict back-to-back losses on the champions.

He said on his club's website: "PSG are always a great team. A new coach has arrived, he sets up a new philosophy of play.

"It is often said that great teams never lose twice. We go there without pressure but with great determination.

"The fact a team has beaten them can give you ideas, but the task is difficult."