The Spaniard has revealed he opted against signing a direct replacement for the Swede, who joined Manchester United, because he wanted to show faith in the Uruguay forward.
Unai Emery has revealed a desire to show faith in Edinson Cavani was the reason why he opted against signing a replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Paris Saint-Germain.
Ibrahimovic joined Manchester United in the summer after leaving the French capital at the end of last season after his contract expired following four trophy-laden seasons at Parc des Princes.
Former Real Madrid forward Jese Rodriguez was brought in to bolster PSG’s forward line, but it is Cavani who has been handed the role of filling the void left by Ibrahimovic’s departure.
Emery says it was a conscious decision to put his trust in Cavani, while also giving youngsters Hervin Ongenda and Jean-Kevin Augustin the chance to impress.
“It was important to give confidence to Cavani,” Emery told RMC. “And it’s hard to sign a very important player who will compete with him.
“Jese has played striker, he is versatile and we have Augustin, a young player who is ready to play and who will progress.”
Emery’s faith in PSG’s youth is a clear shift from the stance of former boss Laurent Blanc and something he hopes can make the Ligue 1 champion better.
“We are working to improve the small details,” he added. “But this is a team that has won a lot and I have great respect for PSG.
“Improving a team like this, it’s a great challenge and a great motivation.”
