It is widely expected that Unai Emery will be let go at the end of the season. Paris St Germain have been unable to improve in the Champions League this year. Emery was given two of the best players in the world last summer with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. The Paris club were expected to put a big challenge on the Champions League. However, with Neymar injured, PSG succumbed to Real Madrid and exited once again at the last 16 stage. Emery had already been on borrowed time following last year when he somehow managed to lose the Ligue 1 title to Monaco. Despite huge spending, they still looked like a side who were completely dependent on Neymar. When the Brazillian got injured PSG were unable to cope with his loss.
What Next for Paris St Germain?
Neymar Unhappiness
Neymar’s future itself is complex as the Brazillian has cut an isolated figure for PSG. When Neymar joined he stated he wanted to get out of Messi’s shadow and establish himself as the best player in the world. Whilst he has been fantastic for PSG, he has found Ligue 1 standard to be quite poor. The competitive edge which he had in La Liga has not been there. Neymar has also been critical of Emery’s training sessions and so a change in coach may improve the Brazilian’s morale.
The Replacements
In terms of who replaces Unai Emery, the favourite is now Thomas Tuchel. The ex-Dortmund boss, however, has not won any European silverware and many may see him as an inexperienced manager. With Antonio Conte’s stock falling with every Chelsea defeat and Zinedine Zidane now likely to stay at Real Madrid, PSG are finding their options to replace Emery limited. The Qatari owners will be hoping they can find the right man to push PSG into the latter stages of the Champions League and also keep their Brazillian talisman happy for at least one more year.
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