Paris Saint-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted he was aware of Neymar’s desire to leave the club before the Copa America.
The Brazilian’s future at the Parc des Princes remains unclear, with reports linking him with a return to Barcelona after first leaving the club for PSG in 2017.
Neymar has been agitating for a move away from the Ligue 1 champions and failed to show up for pre-season on time last week.
The 27-year-old, who has also been linked to Manchester United, has since returned after winning the Copa America with Brazil but is continuing to recover from an ankle injury.
Tuchel has sought to downplay the episode but also revealed he knows Neymar wants to leave.
“I am always disappointed when a player turns up late. But it is clear between us, now it is between the club and Ney. We work together,” Tuchel told RMC.
“Did I know he wanted to leave? Yes, I found out before the Copa America. But it is something between the club and Ney.
“I am the coach, it’s my player. If he is in the locker room, this is my player and I work with him.
“I’m ready for everything. We have to be flexible. I do not talk about it with him. I’m calm, it’s a thing for the club. I do not interfere, it’s not my subject.”
