New PSG coach Tuchel relishes working with 'artist' Neymar

Paris (AFP) – New Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel insisted that Neymar is “an artist” and admitted that the world’s most expensive player will need “special treatment” as he looked forward to starting his new role.

Tuchel was unveiled to the media at the Parc des Princes on Sunday evening, after his appointment on a two-year deal was confirmed last week.

He will officially begin his new job in time for the start of pre-season training in July as he replaces Unai Emery, but the German has already met with Neymar.

“I met him last Sunday and it was a very good meeting. He’s an artist, an exceptional player, one of the best in the world,” said Tuchel, who was previously in charge at Borussia Dortmund but left a year ago and had been a free agent since.

“Artists are special players, they need special treatment, it’s common sense.”

Neymar joined PSG last August from Barcelona for a world-record fee of 222 million euros ($264 million).

He won the French player of the year prize despite a foot injury meaning he has not featured for his club since the end of February.

There has been constant speculation that the 26-year-old’s stay in Paris could be a short one, with Real Madrid linked to a move for the Brazilian star.

But PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has vehemently denied any suggestion that Neymar will depart after just one year in Ligue 1.

Tuchel added: “I met a very friendly, very open guy for the first time. We started talking about soccer and I saw a smile on his face and that is what I want to see.

“If we find a way to build a structure around him, so he can show all his talent on the pitch, I think we have a key player to win our games.”