New PSG manager Unai Emery spoke this week about Marquinhos and the Olympics in Brazil. The defender has been named in Brazil’s squad and already stated that he believes PSG will allow him to take part.
Emery revealed he’d been speaking with PSG chief Olivier Letang about the subject, and said they’d come to the decision that it would be better if Marquinhos remained at the club, rather than going to South America and taking part in the tournament.
It’s fair to say those comments haven’t gone down very well.
That hinders him on the international stage too, but he’s long been patient and not tried to force a move. Taking part in the Olympics is a chance to show what he can bring to the country’s national team after the Copa America, and PSG happily waving him off would have showed some give and take.
The player’s father Marcos has explained that PSG never suggested it was a choice between the Copa America and Olympics, and that if it had been then the latter would have been chosen.
Olympic football is far bigger in South America than in Europe, and with it being a home tournament the importance increases.
A meeting is scheduled for Monday, after PSG informed Marquinhos and his representatives that they’re not going to give permission for him to go.
French newspaper L’Equipe have spoken to the defender’s brother Luan, who told them: “Marquinhos has always been exemplary with the club, he never complained. Yet he has often been a spectator at major matches.
“Our patience has limits. We love the club, the fans, but they also must show us a minimum of consideration or he will have to leave PSG.”
L’Equipe say Luan then listed the clubs interested as: Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United.
Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United have been repeatedly linked with Marquinhos for some time, Arsenal not so much.
The London club aren’t crying out for a central defender, but if Marquinhos was available then things could very well change. PSG may well change their mind and offer Marquinhos the consideration he’s asking for, but not being a first choice central defender looks to be an increasing problem.
