Neymar birthday celebrations are a ‘distraction’, says PSG manager Thomas Tuchel

‘It gives the impression that we are not serious’

(Getty Images)

Neymar will celebrate his birthday in a Paris club on Sunday, a “distraction” two days ahead of a Ligue 1 trip to Nantes, according to Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel.

French sports daily L’Equipe reported that the event would take place in a western Paris club and that the PSG players and a few members of the staff had been invited by the Brazil international, who turns 28 on Wednesday.

“The substitution of Kylian or Ney’s birthday are distractions, it gives the impression that we are not serious,” Tuchel was quoted as saying by L’Equipe on Sunday.

On Saturday, France striker Kylian Mbappe showed his frustration when he was replaced in the 70th minute of a 5-0 win against nine-man Montpellier.

Of Neymar’s birthday, Tuchel added: “It gives the impression that we are not 100 per cent focused and professional.

“But things are not either black or white. They become important when we talk about them a lot.”

In October, Neymar became the youngest Brazil international ever to reach 100 caps.

Reuters