PSG vs Caen - Emery has '200%' backing at PSG ahead of meeting with Caen

Posted Wednesday, December 20, 2017 by PA

Unai Emery will take Paris St Germain into their final game of 2017 with reassurances the club's hierarchy are "200%" behind him.

PSG's nine-point lead on top of Ligue 1 is not enough to end occasional speculation that he could be replaced in the summer should he fail to meet expectations in the Champions League.

But sporting director Antero Henrique was emphatic when quizzed about the Spaniard's status in an interview with Le Parisien.

"As the president (Nasser Al-Khelaifi) said at the beginning of the season, we are 200% behind him, 200%," he said.

"We have no doubt about him and he has all our confidence. I can assure you that his contract is not a problem for him or for PSG. Everyone is very calm about that."

Emery's focus once Wednesday's home game against mid-table Caen is out of the way will turn to the January transfer market, and a minor reshaping of the playing squad.

Emery is willing to listen to offers for some of his fringe players and may also be in the market for an understudy or rival for veteran midfielder Thiago Motta.

He has been absent for long periods with a knee injury this term and, at 35, may be close to handing over the reins if the right player becomes available.

"I am very happy with the entire squad but certain players will be allowed to leave. Everybody is aware of the situation," he told the club's official website.

"Also we are lacking a player with the profile of Thiago Motta, a real number six. So perhaps we can look for a player there even though those that have filled in in that role, such as Giovani Lo Celso last Saturday, have done very well."

Dani Alves, Presnel Kimpembe and Marco Verratti are all suspended for the match, with Thiago Silva a fitness doubt.

Caen, who sit 10th, are winless in December after three defeats and two draws.

Captain Julien Feret is out of the game with a hamstring injury, with Romain Genevois also out and Alexander Djiku suspended.

Ismael Diomande and Herve Bazile are back in the fold as Patrice Garande looks for a similar result to last year's 1-1 at Parc des Princes rather than the 6-0 reverse at home.