Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani has expressed his desire to join Atletico Madrid before the winter transfer window shut on January 31.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, PSG manager Thomas Tuchel said he Cavani move to La Liga could happen quickly if it happens.
“I’ve said many times, I love the group, the players, each and every one of them. We don’t want to lose a player [Edinson Cavani], but sometimes it can happen. This is reality, I still feel the same way, maybe nothing will happen, so I am staying quite.” Tuchel said.
“Leonardo [sporting director] said everything to you that Cavani told him he wants to leave, so that is good. Cavani is one of our players and I am happy with that. If things must change, we will adapt. Now, he is here and part of my dressing room. If things change then we will think about that later.” Tuchel added.
The Uruguayan striker is dealing with a groin injury and he has missed 14 games in the Ligue 1. Meanwhile, when asked about Cavani’s lack of playing time, Tuchel said the 32-year-old striker has lost confidence this season.
“For now he is on the bench and lacking game time. He is lacking rhythm and confidence. Confidence is the most important thing, especially for goalscorers, but that’s the way it is.” Tuchel said.
“In big clubs, there are players with a lot of quality but there is tough competition and it is not easy for him. I am aware of it and I understand it completely and I am very happy to see that he is still professional. If someone is injured, we will have a wonderful substitute.
“If he is able to find a rhythm again, we will be able to put him on the pitch and someone else on the bench. But he is lacking it, so it is really difficult to only help during one game.
“We still have this in mind but this is why it would be better for him to be part of the group, but he still has problems with his groin.” the German manager added.
Cavani has spent the last seven years of his career at Parc des Princes, scoring 195 goals in 269 appearances across all competitions.
