The Paris Saint-Germain manager heaped praises on Neymar, who netted in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Nice.
Thomas Tuchel applauded Neymar’s game as champions Paris Saint-Germain, who appears to have been struggling drew against Nice.
Neymar netted his 50th PSG goal on Saturday – the club’s underwhelming end to the season continuing with a 1-1 draw in Paris.
PSG bagged the title on April 21 but have now won out of their last six Ligue 1 games, just one, while they also surrendered a 2-0 lead as they sensationally lost the Coupe de France final against Rennes on penalties.
Neymar hit a fan following the Coupe de France result on April 27 amid PSG’s slump but head coach Tuchel was still full of praise for him following the Nice draw.
“He’s been injured since January,” Tuchel told reporters of Neymar, who came back from a 3-month injury with a broken foot during the 3-1 win over Monaco in April.
“He’s just came back. I’m quite surprised because he played 120 minutes against Rennes and 90 minutes against Montpellier.
“He played a full game today too and unfortunately, he couldn’t score that second goal. It’s a pity but he’s doing well, and all dangerous play come from Neymar.”
“Neymar needs to play high on the pitch because that’s how he’s the most dangerous,” Tuchel said.
Tuchel also stated his plans on the use of Neymar, claiming Neymar needs to play higher up the pitch to be comfortable.
“Our goal and task is to find Neymar between the lines, high on the pitch. He shouldn’t have to play deep to get the ball. That’s why he was defending like a second striker. When he plays that high it’s his favourite position.
“That’s how he can be the more dangerous in my opinion because he has someone on the left. He can assist and make the difference.”
Neymar has scored 14 Ligue 1 goals this season and 22 in all competitions.