Football
Jonathan Johnson, PSG correspondent 7y

PSG 'learning how to play without Zlatan Ibrahimovic' - Unai Emery

Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery says the French champions are learning how to play without former talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The ex-Sweden international left PSG on a free transfer this summer for Manchester United after four trophy-laden years at Parc des Princes, which included two consecutive domestic clean sweeps in his final two seasons.

Speaking with journalists at his news conference ahead of Wednesday's Ligue 1 clash with Angers, Emery admitted his players are learning to cope without the striker.

"When I arrived, Ibrahimovic had just left the club," the Spaniard explained when asked if his squad lack a superstar name. "Today, we are learning how to play without him.

"The club wants to grow more and more. They have bought land to build a new training centre. If we need a good player or an extraordinary player, the club is also ready to go for them."

PSG reportedly tried to lure Neymar from Barcelona to Paris this summer but were unsuccessful and director of football Patrick Kluivert has already confirmed that Les Parisiens will be active in the January transfer market.

Looking ahead to Angers, Emery revealed Layvin Kurzawa's recovery from a groin injury has not progressed as well as was hoped and that "it is not looking good for the moment" in terms of avoiding a potential operation.

"Concerning the pain, we will take a decision with the medical staff and also with him," the Basque tactician said. "We want him to be able to play a few games to help the team (before the international break).

"A decision will then be made regarding his recovery. We will see what is best for the player over the next few weeks."

Midfielder Marco Verratti suffered a similar injury last season and after months of trying to recover without the need for surgery, the Italy international eventually went under the knife and missed Euro 2016 in France as a result.

Emery was slightly more optimistic on winger Angel Di Maria's chances of featuring against Angers after missing the Champions League draw away at Arsenal and the 2-1 win away at Lyon in Le Championnat with a thigh problem and the Argentina international has been included in the 19-man squad.

However, mercurial playmaker Javier Pastore missed out once again with a knee injury picked up in the 2-0 home win over Nantes last time out at Parc des Princes and tireless midfielder Blaise Matuidi was ultimately ruled out because "he was tired after the Lyon match."

"Di Maria will train normally and then we will see," said Emery. "For Pastore, it will be difficult for him to be fit in time."

Adrien Rabiot is expected to miss the rest of 2016 after picking up a thigh injury when making his senior debut for France during the most recent international break.

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