New Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel insisted that Neymar is “an artist” and admitted that the world’s most expensive player will need “special treatment” as he looked forward to starting his new role.
Tuchel was unveiled to the media at the Parc des Princes yesterday evening, after his appointment on a two-year deal was confirmed last week.
He will officially begin his new job in time for the start of pre-season training in July as he replaces Unai Emery, but the German has already met with Neymar.
“I met him last Sunday and it was a very good meeting. He’s an artist, an exceptional player, one of the best in the world,” said Tuchel, who was previously in charge at Borussia Dortmund but left a year ago and had been a free agent since.
“Artists are special players, they need special treatment, it’s common sense.”
Neymar joined PSG last August from Barcelona for a world-record fee of 222mn euros ($264mn).
He won the French player of the year prize despite a foot injury meaning he has not featured for his club since the end of February.
Tuchel added: “I met a very friendly, very open guy for the first time. We started talking about soccer and I saw a smile on his face and that is what I want to see.
“If we find a way to build a structure around him, so he can show all his talent on the pitch, I think we have a key player to win our games.”

PSG chief al-Khelaifi dispels Buffon rumours
PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi has poured water on suggestions Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon could step in to replace the French club’s number one goalkeeper, Alphonse Areola.
Buffon, 40, played his final game for the Italian giants in a 2-1 win over Verona on Saturday, capping a 17-year career in Turin that harvested seven consecutive Serie A titles.
Buffon’s contract will expire in a matter of weeks, but asked if the French capital could be the emblematic Italian’s next destination, al-Khelaifi told L’Equipe sports daily yesterday: “We have Areola, he’s our number one.”
When then asked if that would also be the case next season, al-Khelaifi replied: “Yes, for sure.”
He added: “He (Buffon) is a fantastic goalkeeper, he’s very charismatic and is a true gentleman. I’m sure all the clubs want him.”
Areola underlined his feelings about the situation when he told Le Parisien newspaper Saturday he wanted to “remain number one” at PSG and would leave the club if that were not to be the case next season.
“Because if I’m not the number one anymore, it would mean the season I’ve just finished has all counted for nothing,” said the 25-year-old Areola, whose own deal ends in June 2019.




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