This time it's the right one.
Touched with the adductor last February 10, in Caen, in the Coupe de France (1-0 victory), Neymar Jr and the Parisian staff have for a time cherished the hope of a return against Barça, at the Parc des Princes.
Missed.
"He still needs a few days," said Mauricio Pochettino.
In fact, a week and a half will have passed between this 1-1 draw synonymous with accession to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and the duel against Lyon, this Sunday (9 p.m., live commented), at the end of the 30th day of L1.
The match which will mark, finally, the return to the business of the Brazilian superstar.
“He will be in the group.
It's a huge joy for everyone, him and for us, ”Pochettino smiles.
"He is a player who has a lot of confidence and who gives a lot of confidence to the team, underlines Marco Verratti.
We can't wait for him to get back to his best form and help us for the end of the season. ”
Lyon and Lille before Bayern
And there is the whole question, the state of form of "Ney".
Because Paris is entering a decisive turning point in its season.
After Lyon and the international cut, the Rouge et Bleu have an appointment with the current leader of Ligue 1, Lille (April 3), and Bayern Munich (April 7 and 13), during a quarter-final of the League champions in the form of a remake of the last final, August 23, 2020. Deadlines during which they will obviously need a great Neymar, even if we saw in Barcelona (victory 4-1) that there is also a life without him.
"
READ ALSO
- Pochettino before OL-PSG:" Do not give them time to play or to think "
"
READ ALSO
- Bayern Munich-PSG, revenge
Fortunately, knowing that the 29-year-old striker has only played 18 of PSG's 41 matches since the start of the season, between injuries and the Covid-19 (13 goals, 6 assists) ... Still, said Neymar is obviously an essential pawn of this Paris Saint-Germain, which relies more than ever on the talent of its individualities.
Tactically speaking, Pochettino has also admitted that he has been going as easy as possible since taking office in early 2020. “We do simple things (tactically) because anything can happen and all the players must all be able to render services and know what to do.
We (the technical staff) like flexibility, we like being able to develop the game in different ways.
But today, we have chosen a way of playing that everyone can know, ”he continues.
"He hasn't played for over a month, it will be difficult to see him start"
Pochettino on Neymar
Whatever the plan of the Argentine coach, Paris will see its chances of shining, in L1 as in C1, increase as Neymar returns to form.
Problem?
There will only be two matches between now and the Champions League quarter-first, against OL and Losc.
And yet, the old nugget of Santos should not start this Sunday.
“We like to apply common sense, underlines“ Poche ”.
He hasn't played for over a month.
It will be complicated to see it start.
But it's already good that he's here. ”
In any case, it is perfectly impossible to imagine a 100% Neymar against Bayern.
Nothing replaces competition.
We sometimes see players come back very strong after a long period of unavailability, before experiencing a backlash afterwards.
But the person concerned "needs rhythm, to feel the game, timing for his dribbling and to be decisive", as Thomas Tuchel explained in his time.
"For him, it is necessary to play, to play, to play… He needs his rhythm to be the best Neymar", the former Parisian coach had again declared.
The five most beautiful goals of PSG in Lyon on video
Neymar will therefore not be at the top to face the European champions, it is a fact.
And even less against Lyon and Lille.
But a Neymar at 80% of his means, it can already hurt ... And Verratti wants to be reassuring, he who sees his teammate sparking at the Camp des Loges.
"I always find him very strong," smiles the "Little Owl".
It's "Ney" ... Even if he is sidelined for three, four, five weeks, in training, he's almost always the best!
Technically, he's an incredible player.
That's why he didn't lose anything.
We are very happy to have him with us because he is, I think, our most important player. ”
Moreover, the Bavarians are not mistaken, like their future boss Oliver Kahn, who emphasizes the "offensive power" of a PSG who can count on "players like Neymar or (Kylian) Mbappé, who can decide a match at any time ”.
Which Neymar and Mbappé will have many things to be forgiven, them who missed out on their C1 final against Munich.
The quest for the miracle formula
One thing is certain: Pochettino has not finished racking his brains to find THE right formula to make the most of PSG's exceptional attacking potential.
He has not had the leisure to count on his best elements at the same time since the start of his mandate, taking the opportunity to entrust Marco Verratti with a real-false role of playmaker. Moreover, it will not be not the case either this Sunday, with the package of Mauro Icardi (muscle injury to the thigh).
Luxury Joker, Pablo Sarabia (hip discomfort) is also unavailable.
To see if Moise Kean, holder against Lille, can continue.
“We adapt to the circumstances,” explains the former Tottenham coach.
Neymar and Mbappé are able to evolve in different registers, different positions.
These are things that will be refined over time, with training.
Ditto for finding the best animation, the one that will allow them to express all their talent. "
For the moment, it's time for OL, with the aim of giving Neymar some playing time, but also and above all to take three precious points.
It will then be time to "recharge the batteries for the next few months of competition", as Pochettino recently indicated.
This concerns in particular the South Americans, deprived of international matches, while Kylian Mbappé and others will be on the bridge with their selection.
The Blues will also have three matches on the menu.
Pochettino will cross his fingers so that his players are pampered by their respective coach, Didier Deschamps in the lead.
And above all, that no one comes back with the Covid-19.
Although, most Parisians have already gone through the coronavirus box ...
Read also
League 1 standings