Okocha: Neymar-Cavani rivalry healthy for PSG
LONDON: The tension between Paris St Germain forwards Neymar and Edinson Cavani is “healthy” and they should be left to sort things out themselves, according to the club’s former star Jay-Jay Okocha.
Cavani and world-record signing Neymar squabbled over a penalty during PSG’s 2-0 win over Lyon last weekend, which Cavani took and missed, and Neymar is since reported to have apologised for his behaviour.
But Okocha believes the two players can help push each other to greater heights and says that when he and Ronaldinho were on freekick duties at Parc des Princes, they simply took it in turns.
“It’s healthy competition. It’s always good to have more than one player who can take free-kicks or penalties,” he said during an interview on Friday.
“At the end of the day, it happens in almost every team.
“You just have to negotiate and say: ‘You take the first one, I take the second one.’
“It’s all about the team and winning matches. It can be negotiated. Each player has got his best spot, so you know that if it’s in that area, you’re definitely taking it.
“And if it’s in a neutral area, whoever feels good can take it.”
Okocha was present at the announcement of the three-man shortlist for this year’s Best FIFA Men’s Player Award, which pits Neymar against Cristiano Ronaldo and his former Barcelona team- mate Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo and Messi have won every major world player award since 2008, but Okocha believes Neymar’s move to Paris will help the 25-year-old Brazilian in his quest to eclipse them.
“He’s not too far. It’s all about competing, believing in himself and consistency,” said Okocha, who played for PSG between 1998 and 2002.
“The other two have refused to give in so to go above them, you have to do a bit more than they are doing, which is a very tough ask.
“He took a bold decision to move, but now he can be his own man and he can show that he has what it takes to be the best.” — AFP