Paris (AFP)

And if the best summer rookie PSG was more behind the scenes than in the field? From the thorny management of the soap opera Neymar to the arrival on the gong of Mauro Icardi, Leonardo led his first transfer window with a master hand for his return to the position of sports director.

The scene has become as viral as popular with Paris fans. At the request of "transparency" of a journalist about the latest dealings with FC Barcelona for the transfer of Neymar, the Brazilian leader has unleashed a frank laugh ... before resuming the quietest of the world his point-press improvised at Metz Friday night (2-0).

The symbol of end-to-end communication in one of the most explosive records of the QSI era, which did not prevent him from using his negotiating skills to attract several major players like Keylor Navas and Mauro Icardi.

. Iron handle in the Neymar folder

It all started with two media "sticks" - a press release to denounce the delay in training Neymar, and then a presentation of his vision to the Parisian - to affirm the pre-eminence of the "institution" PSG on his Brazilian superstar.

To end with public compliments, hoping to accelerate the business of reconciliation between "Ney" and Paris supporters.

For more than two months, "Leo" played the game of negotiation, repeating that he was open from the most expensive player in history to FC Barcelona, ​​only if a proposal came to satisfy his "conditions that do not have never arrived ".

In this game of liar poker mondovision, the elegant polyglot (49 years) never hesitate to jump into the media arena not to let other parties dictate the tempo. An omnipresence, which contrasts with the erased mandate of his predecessor Antero Henrique (2017-2019).

"He has put the order in order, by replacing the club and not the players in the center, it is time for him to come back, he will bring a little humility," said Michel Denisot, his former president at PSG in Paris. he lived in the Parc des Princes (1996-1997), cited by Le Parisien.

. Icardi, the chef's surprise

"There is a financial side, structural transfer window that is not easy for everyone.I think it will be a difficult season (...) It will not be the season bling-bling, + We will win the League champions + No, it's not like that ": the promise of a new modest lifestyle will only have lasted a few hours.

The man who had attracted Zlatan Ibrahimovic during his first term (2011-2013) returned to the magic of the beginning by making two big shots just before the close of the transfer market, despite the financial constraints: Navas, the goalkeeper at the three leagues champions, and Icardi, the striker with 124 goals in 219 matches with Inter Milan.

What to see flourish on social networks several photo-montages climbing "Leo" in Napoleon or Louis XIV mercato.

"I think PSG's transfer window was well done, and if we assume that Neymar stays at his level, they have improved the team, which is the work of + Leo +, who is much more football, whereas Antero Henrique was a lot more + business + ", says Bernard Caïazzo, director of AS Saint-Etienne.

. What future for the "titis"?

The only downside, the massive sale of talent from the Parisian formation, started by Antero Henrique (departures of Thiago Motta, U19 coach, suppression of the reserve team, ...) which raises questions about the future of future "titans " in Paris.

After Adrien Rabiot (free at Juventus Turin), Moussa Diaby (EUR 15m at Bayer Leverkusen), Timothy Weah (EUR 10m at Lille), Christopher Nkunku (EUR 13m at RB Leipzig), "Leo" let go of Stanley Nsoki (EUR 12.5 million in Nice), Metehan Güçlü (Rennes), or Arthur Zagre (EUR 10 million in Monaco), yet considered one of the most promising talents of the Paris Academy.

Even Alphonse Aréola, though world champion, was pushed to the exit!

Despite a new organization, led by duo Stéphane Roche - Vincent Guérin, the training center will need new positive signals to stem the flight of talent. One of Leonardo's next challenges.

© 2019 AFP