Unai Emery knew when he took the PSG job in the summer that one of his biggest challenges would be dealing with all the egos at the Parc des Princes.
While Zlatan Ibrahimovic - the team’s biggest ego - may have departed for Manchester United, PSG were still left with the likes of Edinson Cavani, Lucas Moura and Angel di Maria.
Emery then added Jese and, curiously, Hatem Ben Arfa to his ranks shortly after his arrival in the French capital.
It’s not been plain-sailing for Emery since he replaced Laurent Blanc in the summer; PSG are expected to walk Ligue 1, despite Zlatan’s exit, but currently find themselves third in the table - six points below Nice - after 10 matches.
The last thing he needs is members of his playing squad acting up - but, unfortunately for the Spaniard, Marco Verratti reacted rather petulantly after being subbed off on the hour-mark against Marseille on Sunday.
Video: Verratti reacts badly to being subbed
Verratti, hooked for Blaise Matuidi, walked off the pitch and was visibly perturbed by the decision.
French TV have revealed what the Italian midfielder said to the PSG coaches in the dugout - and you can see the video here…
According to Spanish newspaper AS, translating the quotes, Verratti said: "What is this? Am I bad? Tell me that I'm bad?!"
Di Maria was also unhappy to be subbed
Verratti was joined on the sidelines 15 minutes later by Di Maria, closely followed by Thiago Motta, as Emery rolled the dice in search for all three points.
Di Maria was also unhappy at being substituted, although Emery reckons the Argentina international’s reaction was ‘normal’.
"Di Maria is an important player for us. He worked a lot for the team," Emery was quoted as saying by ESPN.
"I believe in him and wait for him to improve. He did not put in a good performance, but it is up to me to help him. I have to give him the confidence to improve. He has a good attitude and will keep working to put in better performances.
"It is only normal that he was not happy with his substitution. He did not want to be replaced, but it was my decision. I don't mind players getting upset when they are taken off. That shows they have character. It's a good thing for me."
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