|
Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery has paid tribute to Arsene Wenger after the Frenchman announced that he will be leaving Arsenal at the end of the season after 22 years with the club. Emery is also expected to vacate his role in Paris, with Thomas Tuchel the strong favourite to take over at Parc des Princes. Speaking at a prematch press conference ahead of Sunday's trip to Bordeaux in Ligue 1, Emery praised Wenger and stated his belief that the former Monaco boss could one day lead PSG. "Each year, a dozen or so of us meet in Nyon," Emery said. "Arsene is a reference to any coach -- everybody listens to what he has to say. "Arsene has done a wonderful job with Arsenal. He complimented me a few weeks ago -- he is somebody that I admire as a person and as a coach. "Arsene has the quality and experience to lead the best sides in the world, such as PSG." Emery also spoke positively about Julian Draxler, who scored in the 7-1 thrashing of Monaco last Sunday and has continued to transform into a central midfielder under Emery's guidance this campaign. "Julian has developed since he arrived," Emery said. "He came here to grow as a person, but also as a player. He has an important role in the German national team. "Julian has beautiful qualities, which allow him to keep hold of the ball in possession-based play. He could do with being more aggressive in attack. However, we are very happy with him." Thiago Motta has not featured much this term, with just 13 appearances in Ligue 1 to his name, and despite injuries and suspensions hampering him, Emery believes that the veteran Italian could still play on before becoming a member of staff in Paris. "Thiago has often been injured or suspended," he said. "So, it is true that he has not played that much this season. However, he is an important player off the pitch as well as on it. "I do not know what Thiago will do next season. He can still play football. He still thinks like a player, he loves the game -- I see that each day in training." PSG can still break the 100-point barrier in Ligue 1, with five matches left before the end of the season and 87 points to their name. That quest continues against Gus Poyet's midtable Girondins side at Matmut Atlantique on Sunday.
|
