Playing for 90
Fansided

Issues between Neymar and Edinson Cavani threaten PSG’s Champions League aspirations

By Benjamin Barkworth

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Neymar of Paris Saint Germain in action during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Celtic and Paris Saint Germain at Celtic Park on September 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Neymar of Paris Saint Germain in action during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Celtic and Paris Saint Germain at Celtic Park on September 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 2
Next
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images. /

Potential solutions

This issue needs to be solved, and there is a variety of ways that this could be done. A fractured squad would still likely win the league due to the individual quality that they have. However, their Qatari owners have made it clear that the Champions League is their main target.

Emery could carry on his policy of not getting involved and hope that Neymar settles down and accepts the status quo. Although, this course of action has the highest risk because the Brazilian winger is unlikely to accept a lower role in the hierarchy due to his quest for the Ballon d’or. Cavani is also unlikely to back down because he’s revelling in the freedom of being out of Zlatan Ibrahimović’s shadow.

Another solution is to split the roles between them both. Cavani is an excellent penalty taker, so it would be wise to let him keep that role. However, giving Neymar full control of free kicks might boost his sense of worth and alleviate these issues. This could keep them both happy while playing to their respective strengths which would help the team.

Next: Neymar changing the culture of PSG

The third potential solution for Emery is to side with one player by giving them full control of both roles. This is dangerous because the player on the wrong side of this would likely try to find a new club within the next few transfer windows. If this course of action were to be followed then Neymar would be the party most likely to benefit. His transfer fee and status as the future of the club means that it would be wise to support him. Cavani is expendable in contrast to Neymar.

It’s likely that this issue has just been overblown. They will probably reach a compromise without Emery needing to step in. However, while they continue to have differences on the pitch, this remains a serious issue for the club.

Home/Ligue 1