Football
Jonathan Johnson, PSG correspondent 5y

PSG star Neymar: 'I can't keep crying' about World Cup disappointment

Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar has admitted that he "can't keep crying" about his difficult summer and has stated that he has "moved on" from World Cup heartache in Russia.

Speaking at Parc des Princes on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's Champions League Group C visit from Red Star Belgrade, the Brazil international agreed with coach Thomas Tuchel that he is not "100 percent fit."

"I agree with the coach that I am not 100 percent fit," Neymar told journalists. "However, that is normal this early in the season.

"At the highest level in the game, you must be at your best come February or March. I am looking for my best form and I am trying to get better physically and technically.

"There was also the World Cup, where I suffered a lot and I did everything to play with Brazil. I was very sad about the way that it finished in Russia. However, I can't keep crying -- I have moved on."

Asked about his role in Tuchel's versatile PSG side, Neymar confirmed that he loves playing as the No. 10 as often as he is doing at present and likened it to Lionel Messi's Barcelona berth.

"I like to define the way that my team plays and organise our game by moving into the middle," said the 26-year-old. "I did this with Santos and occasionally with Barcelona.

"Lionel occupies that role with Barca, so my function there was different -- I played vertically. With PSG, I like to get on the ball and move sideways.

"The solution, playing in a No. 10 role, is how the coach prefers it -- it is what he wants, and he makes the decisions."

Neymar also stressed that he has not spoken with in-demand Flamengo man Lucas Paqueta about a potential move to PSG.

Paqueta, 21, earned his first caps for Brazil in their October friendlies against the United States and El Salvador, and has reportedly caught the attention of the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Barcelona as well as PSG.

"I have not spoken with Lucas about PSG," he said. "Lucas is a great player and I know his qualities -- I am sure that he can be a star."

Tuchel confessed that losing 3-2 away at Liverpool in the opening Champions League Group C clash was a blow, but he has been impressed by his players' collective reaction since that setback.

"Our official reaction does not have to be limited to something in the dressing room," said the German tactician. "It was a defeat and we were not at our best. It was the toughest European match, but at the same time, it was only the first of the group stage -- we needed to stay calm.

"Our responses since have been impressive and I am happy with what I have seen from the players. Losses are greatly underrated -- you can learn so much from them. We always want to win, of course, but they still teach us plenty.

"When you are used to winning, it is important to see a reaction when you are beaten. However, there must be some realism too. Liverpool are a top team, last season's beaten Champions League finalists and they have a squad that has been working together over the past four years under the same coach.

"It was not the best time to come up against them, but we are over it now -- we know where we need to progress. We will continue to improve."

Tuchel also rejected the idea that Kylian Mbappe, Edinson Cavani, Neymar and Angel Di Maria is too much attacking talent to handle.

"We can play in several possible formations to accommodate our best attacking talents," the former Borussia Dortmund and Mainz 05 coach said. "We like to have all four together whenever possible because they can decide any match -- they spell danger.

"For me, it is important that they are on the pitch together. When Kylian was suspended, we won. The same when Edinson or Neymar have not played. We create lots of opportunities and that is important. That said, I cannot say which system we will use tomorrow to accommodate them all."

Tuchel believes that Neymar is closing on a return to his best form and fitness and defended his star man.

"Neymar is not yet 100 percent but he is close," he said. "He was out injured for a long time. The World Cup was difficult, and he needs to train with a smile -- it was hard for him not getting some normal training in.

"Everybody always looks at Neymar and that makes it harder. He has been decisive in every match for us.

"I am very happy with Neymar and he is getting close to top form -- he looks confident to me. He is involved with the club and invested in this project."

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