Neymar, Madrid rumours won't shake PSG – Emery

Neymar is linked with a move to Real Madrid, but Unai Emery said rumours would not unsettle Paris Saint-Germain.

Published : Jan 13, 2018 08:45 IST

Neymar has made an impressive start to his PSG career, scoring 20 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions.
Neymar has made an impressive start to his PSG career, scoring 20 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions.
lightbox-info

Neymar has made an impressive start to his PSG career, scoring 20 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions.

Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery insisted the Ligue 1 giant would not be shaken by rumours Neymar is set to join Real Madrid.

Neymar, 25, is reportedly a major target for the La Liga club despite having only joined PSG from Barcelona in a world-record move in August last year.

READ: Casemiro: 'Neymar always welcome at Real Madrid'

Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore have already been punished by PSG after returning late from the mid-season break.

READ: Thiago Silva: Cavani-Pastore absence not good for PSG

However, Emery said his team – which faces Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League – would not be distracted by rumours surrounding Neymar.

WATCH: Real vs PSG: Numbers behind CL classic-to-be

Read: Neymar and PSG: A sensational union born of Barcelona arrogance

"The group is strong with a great mentality. They were strong when it came to both games in the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue, and they remain like this in their preparation for the game against Real Madrid," he told a news conference.

"The players are smart and the club have gained experience. I also have experience and I know that people from outside can disrupt us... some people who may have some interest in doing so.

READ:  CL Draw: Real faces Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea draws Barcelona

"For example, if you read today the first sport newspaper in Spain, the cover is that Neymar is going to Real Madrid. These things don't shake us.

"The players, the staff, the coach, the technical staff. We know our way, our path. We know who from outside... we know who wants destabilise us but we are strong, whatever has been told outside or what happens inside.

READ: Emery: 'PSG 'can compete with Real Madrid''

"We are protecting ourselves well. It's true that some little things happened after the holidays, but it's only 10 per cent [of the club].

"We'll come back soon to normality."

Neymar has made an impressive start to his PSG career, scoring 20 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions.

PSG holds a nine-point lead atop Ligue 1 ahead of a trip to Nantes on Sunday.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment