When the news broke that Unai Emery was starting Presnel Kimpembe over Thiago Silva for PSG's massive clash with Real Madrid, the general reaction was surprise, with most people expecting Emery to call on the Brazilian veteran's big game experience. This reaction was no different for the PSG centre-back's wife. Isabele da Silva took to Instagram to vent her emotions, posting a message that translated to "Tactics, tactics, tactics?". Thiago also shared his own feelings, his post reading "God help me to improve".
However, in the Di Maria household, the reaction would best be described as anger. The Argentinian forward also found himself on the bench, with Emery favouring Edinson Cavani over the ex-Real Madrid player. His wife, Jorgelina Cardoso, also had something to say about it, and again it was Instagram where she made her voice clear. "Your effort + your extra work + your goals + your assists + your best moment = bench. But the ones that do not understand football are women..." she pondered, clearly not convinced by Unai Emery's tactical nouse.
After PSG were defeated 3-1 it wasn't just the team's loved ones who were questioning Emery, though. Although it initially seemed like he had outwitted Zinedine Zidane, the final result left some wondering if it would not have been wiser to put out a side with more experience. The 3-1 defeat was a big blow for the Parisian side, and it leaves Emery with a big task when Real travel to the Parc des Princes in March. Maybe this time Silva and Di Maria will get a chance...
February 14, 2018