UNAI EMERY has taken a parting swipe at Neymar for being above the manager at Paris Saint-Germain.
The new Arsenal manager, who was unveiled last week, has been getting his feet under the desk at the Emirates Stadium.
AP:Associated Press
Unai Emery took charge of Neymar last season after the Brazilian arrived at Parc des Princes for a world record fee last summer
And he has revealed how Neymar, 26, has assumed the role of leader at the Parc des Princes, where he landed as the world’s most expensive player, following a £198million switch last summer.
Emery said: “I am of the opinion that PSG’s leader is Neymar. Or that he is currently becoming it. Neymar came to PSG to be the leader, to go through this process to someday become the best in the world.
“It’s a process that will require a bit more time in order to consolidate this position. At Manchester City, Pep is in charge. At PSG, Neymar has to be.
“I think that I managed the dressing room quite well.
Neymar shares a laugh with his Brazil team-mates after linking up with the squad for the World Cup
Unai Emery has been discussing his coaching style after joining Arsenal as their new boss
“My greatest satisfaction was that the team didn’t sink, after losing against Barcelona or Real Madrid.
“A few weeks ago for example, we had a horrible first half against Saint-Étienne, but after the break, with one player sent off, we reacted well and managed to equalise.
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“One of my staff members told me: ‘Unai, today the players showed that they are with you. If that weren’t the case, we would have lost.’”
In a wide-ranging interview, translated by France Football, Emery admitted he would not try and control players like he was playing a video game.
Neymar has been recovering from a metatarsal injury but has been back in training with the Brazil team
Unai Emery was unveiled as Arsene Wenger’s successor last week
He added: “As a coach, I had the habit of showing players what steps to follow, similar to controlling someone with a joystick.
“Except that when you come to PSG, you realise that the players are the ones who make the most effective decisions.
“One day, I told Neymar that: ‘There are match situations we have worked before the game, but in your case, you imagine those situations by yourself.’”
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