The captains of PSG set an example. Marquinhos, vice-holder of the armband, was the first at Camp des Loges on Thursday morning for the resumption of training. The Brazilian, who spent the family holidays in Paris due to the recent birth of his son Enrico, even preceded coach Thomas Tuchel at the Ooredoo center, well before the convocation at 9:30 a.m.
A few hours later, his compatriot Thiago Silva, captain-in-chief, counted almost an hour ahead of the rest of the second group, summoned in the early afternoon. The two men took in their wake a full complement.
If we count the various delays and extensions granted in recent years, this is simply a first in eight seasons! Sports director Leonardo, a regular at Camp des Loges, must have appreciated.
The forty supporters present in the early and mid-afternoon in the humid freshness of the Yvelines were especially waiting for the return of the latest culprits. Edinson Cavani, three late returns to his record (December 2014, January 2016, January 2018), was this time perfectly on time, upon his return from Uruguay.
Neymar, a new haircut and reunion
The Matador celebrated the event by coming to the portal to take dozens of photos and sign as many autographs, cap on the head, mat complexion and smile on the lips. "Stay in Paris!" Said several fans. "Even if he does not play much, it would be a shame if he left like that, without having time to say goodbye correctly", sighs a member of the Collectif Ultras Paris present.
Neymar, he had offered an extra week off last summer. In agreement with Antero Henrique, according to him, but against the advice of Leonardo. As promised, the Brazilian was this time in the same time zone as its leaders.
At the end of a festive holiday surrounded by his friends and family, the number 10 arrived as usual in the back of his black van with driver. He sported a new peroxidized haircut and a large black and white jacket. "Ney" came across Kylian Mbappé, already present in the morning. The two men hugged each other.
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Mauro Icardi, driving a huge Bentley, Keylor Navas, Leandro Paredes and Di Maria, who arrived last, completed the South American contingent for the afternoon. Idrissa Gueye, who returned from Senegal at night, also arrived shortly before 4 p.m., with a small improvised signing session over the fence of the parking lot as a bonus. The atmosphere was therefore with smiles, even if Thiago Silva wore the hood and the scowl of those who have just lost 20 degrees on the thermometer.
"Bring us back the Champions League!" "
The morning group started the day with physical work, indoors and out. For this recovery, the players must also carry out some tests and examinations to gauge their state of form after an 11-day break. This Friday, it is the Parisians exempted this Thursday who will bow to this double session while the first group can sleep.
A long-awaited recovery! 👊⚡️
🔴🔵 #ICICESTPARIS pic.twitter.com/AJ5xyKgc3T
There was talk of sleep, too, in the early afternoon, when almost the entire workforce crossed the road after lunch to take a nap at the Cazaudehore hotel. "Bring us back the Champions League!" Asked a fan to Abdou Diallo, who signed autographs, like Presnel Kimpembe, Juan Bernat and a few others. Layvin Kurzawa, wearing his tap shoes, did it much faster. Some players have preferred to make this cut at home, notably Marquinhos, Marco Verratti and Kylian Mbappé.
Once reunited, the whole group followed their first session of the year with a ball. There will not be many between here and the meeting against Linas-Montlhéry (Regional 1), Sunday at Bondoufle in the 32nd finals of the Coupe de France. Even with a full group at his disposal, Thomas Tuchel should leave several stars to rest for this return to school date.
