Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel “respects and understands” the French champions’ decision to drop Adrien Rabiot indefinitely after sporting director Antero Henrique revealed that the 23-year-old midfielder expressed his intention to leave Parc des Princes.
Speaking after Edinson Cavani and Moussa Diaby goals secured a 2-1 Coupe de la Ligue last 16 win away at Ligue 2 side Orleans, the German tactician backed the capital club’s stance with their wantaway France international.
“It is a club decision and I respect and understand their stance,” Tuchel told Canal+ of youth academy graduate Rabiot. “Now, we will wait and see.
“I love the player — he has been a key figure, but this situation has dragged on for far too long. The club has made a decision and I respect it.”
Captain and defender Thiago Silva added that trying to advise Rabiot is futile and mourned the loss of “a great friend” in the PSG squad.
“His decision is a very personal one and you cannot offer advice to somebody who has already made up their mind,” the Brazil international said in the post-match mixed zone at Stade de la Source.
“It is a shame as was a great friend of mine in the dressing room.”
Silva’s fellow defender Marquinhos also expressed his regret at the news and reflected upon his friendship with Rabiot.
“It is a shame,” said the Brazilian. “What I will say is that he has been a friend of mine from the start — we have risen through the ranks together and grown up.
“He has made his decision and the club has too. There is nothing that we can do.”
Match-winner Diaby was delighted with his late goal after coming on as a substitute and was happy to do exactly what coach Tuchel asked of him.
“Things got heated towards the end of the match,” the homegrown youngster said. “We were up against a good Orleans side and they were aggressive, but our heads stayed up and kept going. I did what the coach asked of me.
“It was a Diaby-esque goal — the coaching has paid off. The coach told us that this would be tough and intense. He told me to attack and buzz around the other two [Cavani and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting] up top.”
PSG’s final match of 2018 is at home to Nantes in Ligue 1 on Saturday. They will discover their Coupe de la Ligue quarterfinal opponents on Wednesday evening.