Toulouse boss Pascal Dupraz has highlighted the gulf in Ligue 1 resources by suggesting Neymar’s transfer value would fund his club’s operations for 15 years.
The Brazilian is set to make his home debut against Toulouse on Sunday after shining in his first appearance at Guingamp, scoring the third in a 3-0 win.
Dupraz guided the relegation candidates to 13th in his first full season in charge last term after they narrowly avoided the drop in the previous two years.
The campaign included a four-point haul against then-champions PSG, with a 2-0 home win backed up by an impressive 0-0 draw at the Parc des Princes in February.
“We defended superbly [in that draw],” Dupraz told Le Parisien.
“We were not glamorous, of course. But people often forget that we have a €32 million budget.
“Neymar, all-inclusive, represents 15 years of operation of Toulouse.”
Dupraz’s side, who signed Bournemouth winger Max Gradel on loan on Thursday, lost 3-2 at Monaco on the opening day of the season before responding with a 1-0 win over Montpellier last weekend.
The former Evian coach praised the wider impact of Neymar’s arrival in France but remains eager to make up for “missing a chance” against Monaco.
“The signature of Neymar is a benefit for French football. I am neither envious nor jealous,” he said.
“[Sunday’s match] is a chance to play PSG, to play in Ligue 1, especially when we are the youngest team in France.
“It’s a chance for me to sit on the bench for Toulouse at the Parc des Princes. It is an honour.
“The goal is to win.”
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