Monday 2 January 2017 12:34, UK
Southampton manager Claude Puel claims Hatem Ben Arfa must 'feel important like Zlatan Ibrahimovic' if he is to fulfill his potential at Paris Saint-Germain.
Puel, who coached the French international during his spell at Nice and arguably rescued his career after a turbulent spell in the Premier League, believes the 29-year old should feature more regularly for PSG.
"Hatem, for me, is an exceptional player. I do not compare the levels, but it's like (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic, he must feel important to fulfill his potential," the Southampton boss told French newspaper Le Parisien .
"He dares to attempt extraordinary runs but he can not express his potential if he doesn't feel supported or play regularly," added Puel.
"He is no longer a young player who you can ask to come on for the last 15 minutes or five minutes. He is now an established player who is capable of causing other teams problems but we must accept his risky style of play."
"We exchange text messages. He's hanging on and giving his best," said Puel, confirming the player intends to stay in Paris despite several offers from abroad.
The former Newcastle United playmaker has struggled to make an impact at the Parc des Princes and the likes of Turkish sides Fenerbahce and Besiktas were thought to be trying to lure Ben Arfa away from France on loan.
With Puel ruling his former employee 'out of Southampton's budget', the Frenchman has vowed to fight his way back into Unai Emery's plans.
Ben Arfa realised a childhood dream when he moved to his boyhood club in July 2016, only for his attitude and fitness to be called into question on arrival.
He has played less than 500 minutes of Ligue 1 football so far this season.
