Neymar Jr in Monaco for the Formula 1 Grand Prix? There is nothing wrong with that. Especially since the Brazilian, sidelined since early March, is under contract with the Red Bull brand, obviously present on the paddock. Except that Christophe Galtier gave very different explanations to justify the absence of the 31-year-old player in Strasbourg, Saturday, while PSG celebrated its 11th title of champion of France. From Marquinhos to Achraf Hakimi to Nuno Mendes, the unavailable players made the trip. "It shows the state of mind that there was in this group, whatever people may think," swears the Parisian coach, evoking a "health problem" for Hugo Ekitike, affected in Auxerre (1-2). "Otherwise, the others were present in the preparation of the game, at half-time. And of course to celebrate with their partners this title of champion of France, "said the technician of 56 years, Saturday night.
To discover
- Ligue 1 schedule and results
- Ligue 1 standings
Almost all of them, then that Neymar Jr was not there either. "He had problems getting around," Galtier promised. Apparently, these problems were solved overnight... Maybe even a little before since, according to German journalists present on the Rock, the former Barcelonan spent part of the night, and perhaps the evening, playing poker in Monaco (see tweet below). "He was omnipresent yesterday (Friday), he was there on the last training session in the dressing room. Do not draw conclusions from his absence in Strasbourg. It has been omnipresent. He was of an incredible level in the first part of the season," said Galtier. There is no drama here. We simply have the right to be surprised by the tenor of the words of the Parisian coach, and perhaps still to be surprised by Neymar's choice to prefer to honor a commitment with a sponsor to the celebration of a title.
