Confidential Sport: Why unmotivated Neymar missed PSG's win over Angers
Neymar wanted to be in top shape for Brazil's friendlies
The Brazilian is no longer motivated by winning Ligue 1
Ligue 1 no longer motivates Neymar Jr. And for the first time in his career, the Brazil star has taken a decision to act only when and how he wants.
The first stage of this new setup took place over the weekend, when he missed the game against Angers, which Paris Saint-Germain won easily (5-0).
"Neymar had a small blow to his muscle and didn't feel well this morning. I spoke with the doctors and with him and we decided it's best if he stays in Paris," said PSG coach Unai Emery.
The reality, however, contradicts the Spanish coach's words. Neymar joined up with the Brazil team on Monday, in Paris, where Tite's side will prepare for games against Japan (Friday, in Lille) and England (next Wednesday, in London).
All eyes were on the physical condition of Ney and Coutinho. The Liverpool star, wanted by Barcelona, remained in the gym, while the PSG No.10 took to the training pitch.
Neymar didn't only train as normal, but in top form, to the surprise of the Brazil medical team.
When the session ended, Rodrigo Lasmar, Brazil's doctor, gave a press conference and said Coutinho will not be able to play against Japan but could be back for England.
And Neymar? Well, nothing. The former Barcelona man turned up for training without any problems and nothing which will prevent him playing in the upcoming friendlies.
Tite is in regular contact with his players' clubs as it is a World Cup year. The objective is to avoid any problems and keep up to date on the state of Brazil's internationals. And the Confederaçao were not going to speak about Neymar's fitness because, in reality, there was nothing noticeable.
Ney was looking for an excuse not to play at Angers.
NO 'feeling' WITH Emery
Neymar's not comfortable at PSG. With Monaco off the boil, there's no rival for Qatar Sports Investments's team in France. The title's already decided and the possibility of winning it by 30 points, like two years ago, is real.
The Brazilian's been surprised by the low quality of the rivals and the low attendances in the stadiums. For that reason, he decided to rest before the Seleçao's games and to not travel to the Stade Raymond Kopa (Angers) where PSG played in front of 12,381 fans. A number which has nothing to do with what he was, exceptions aside, used to in Spain.
As much as the French press try to build a relationship between Emery and Neymar, the truth is that the Brazilian does not believe in his current coach. He's had no problem showing that he doesn't share the former Sevilla coach's methods of training. There's an abyss between the two and it's difficult to imagine that changing.
Without any motivation, Ney's focused on the Champions League, the only competition which has a global appeal and in which he will give his best, aware of its importance.
In Ligue 1, he's not played since Oct. 22 when he was sent off against Marseille. He missed the Nice game through suspension and the Angers game because he didn't fancy it. And no one doubts that happening again.
