PSG starting to recover after blow of Ibrahimovic departure – Maxwell

The departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic came as a huge blow to Paris Saint-Germain but the Ligue 1 champions are getting back on track, according to Maxwell.

Ibrahimovic netted a club record 156 goals in 180 appearances for PSG, winning four French titles, two Coupes de France and three Coupes de la Ligue.

The former Sweden international departed for Manchester United ahead of the 2016-17 season and his absence was keenly felt in the early part of Unai Emery’s tenure at the Parc des Princes, as PSG struggled for form.

“PSG without Ibra is very different to PSG with Ibra,” Maxwell told Cadena SER. “We miss his technical quality on the pitch and his leadership off it. His departure was a very tough blow.”

PSG sit third, three points adrift of leading pair Monaco and Nice, after a run of four matches unbeaten.

“PSG are getting back to normal,” he added. “At the start of the season we had some difficult moments but good results are making a better atmosphere.”

Emery’s side, who face a Champions League last-16 showdown with Barcelona, visit Dijon in Ligue 1 on Saturday.