This time, Neymar left the Parc des Princes without bronca. And it is already very appreciable for the Brazilian star of Paris-Saint-Germain (PSG), in delicacy with a good part of the public since the beginning of the season and the rumors of a return to FC Barcelona, his former club.
If he wanted to start being reconciled with the fans, Neymar would not have taken better than Wednesday, December 11. Sometimes scorer, sometimes passer, the No. 10 took part in the development of four of the five goals in Paris (5-0) against a weak team Galatasaray perfect propitiatory victim. An ideal opponent to finish in style this first round of the Champions League, in a match without a stake, after a narrow victory over Bruges (1-0) and a very hard trip on the ground Real Madrid (2-2). In the end: five wins and a draw in six games for PSG, already assured to finish first in Group A for two weeks.
Paris will know Monday, December 16 his future opponent in the round of 16. With the return to form of Neymar, the club already sees a little clearer on its own strengths, waiting to know if it will face Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, Dortmund or other festivities. For a variety of reasons (suspension and hamstring injury for a long time), Galatasaray played only his second Champions League game this season. And his first as a holder.
Once scorer, twice decisive passer, and also initiator of the opening scoring: the offensive midfielder has radiated. First by launching Kylian Mbappé, himself a passer-by for Mauro Icardi (1-0, 32e). Then by a deboulé and an offset for Pablo Sarabia (2-0, 35e). Then by his goal: a shot down, after an offering heeled Mbappé. And finally by a pass to this same Mbappé, as a thank you (4-0, 63e).
"A symbol for the team," according to Tuchel
This is, without doubt, the fifth goal that will be remembered the most. Neymar is not involved directly … since he put the ball in the hands of Edinson Cavani and left his teammate to turn a penalty (5-0, 84e), after a fault on Mbappé. "A nice gesture", says the German coach of the PSG, Thomas Tuchel.
The Brazilian, often accused of individualism, allowed there the 196e Uruguay's goal for PSG. Enough to strengthen the record of the best scorer in the history of the club, and idol of the Park, despite his current status of substitute: once again, Cavani only entered after the hour of play in place of Icardi , under the cheers of the public.
Tuchel intends to make a gesture of Neymar "A symbol for the team this season". Sub-meaning: an invitation to play together; not obvious, for the sum of big names gathered in the workforce. By his giving up himself, the player "Prove his big heart," according to the coach.
If Neymar and Cavani are caught in the arms today, it is also that they want to send a message: promised, they left behind the "penaltygate" (the case of the penalty). This is how some journalists still call their old dispute of September 2017. At the time, Cavani drew authority (and missed) a penalty against Lyon. Without leaving any possibility to Neymar, the club for two weeks only, after the most expensive transfer in the history of football: 222 million euros paid to FC Barcelona.
Symptomatic of a team where the ego of each other can harm the collective, the episode had complicated the task of Unai Emery, predecessor of Tuchel in the locker room in Paris. From ancient history, now ensures Neymar, who prefers this Wednesday praise Cavani: "An excellent penalty taker, a great player, is the matador, after all. The only thing he missed was to score. That way, he was able to score and everyone leaves happy. " The Brazilian including.
"What makes me happy is playing football", continues "Ney", on the RMC Sport channel, cutting short speculations on his initial inclinations. "Playing on a field like this is the thing I prefer. It does not matter where I am. Of course, when there are two poles, a ball, teammates, that's it, I have everything I need. "
On December 7, four days earlier, the player was already pulling the PSG in the French league: a free-kick equalizer fifteen minutes from the end, then a decisive pass to allow a complicated victory (3-1). ) Montpellier.
Its leaders expect it especially, well beyond, in February and March 2020. It will be then to cross the knockout stages of the Champions League, horizon beyond the club for three seasons.
