The bitter conflict between Mbappe and Neymar could destroy PSG.

In the second Ligue 1’s week match, PSG easily thrashed Montpellier 5-2 in the match, in which PSG’s fans had the privilege to witness the combination of the best attacking trident in the world: Mbappe, Neymar, and Messi. However, this resounding victory was eclipsed by the drama involving the front three.

Despite contributing 2 goals for PSG, Mbappe did not have a comfortable night at Parc des Princes due to a missing penalty in the first half and some problems with his teammates. In a counter attack, the midfielder Vitinha led the ball forward and made a run down the middle of the pitch and had 2 options to pass the ball to: messi on the right wing and Mbappe on the other flank. And instead of passing the ball to Mbappe, his choice was for the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner. As a result, the French superstar appeared to be sulked when he completely stopped running and did not engage in the attack.

The second argument was with Neymar. About 20 minutes after the first penalty, another handball incident from the away team gave PSG the second penalty of this match. Neymar quickly grabbed the ball and put it in the penalty spot. All of a sudden, Mbappe apoached and asked him to redeem his mistake from the first penalty, which was rejected by the Brazilian striker, who successfully put the ball in the net. Needless to say, Mbappe was not content, which was evident in his face.

                                                            Neymar and Mbappe in an argument last Saturday

In the post-match press conference, the PSG coach, Galtier, revealed that the penalties were taken in predetermined order. Mbappe was the first person to take the penalty, followed by Neymar.

The Brazilian even made the matter worse when he liked two “anti-Kylian Mbappe” posts on Twitter that criticized the French forward for being the penalty taker instead of Neymar and even called him the “owner” of the club.

The first “Penaltygate” originated in the season 2017-18 when Neymar did the same thing as Neymar with Cavani, which destroyed the locker room at that time.

After the incident, PSG’s hierarchy held a meeting between them and the 2 players. The talks involving coach Galtier and sporting director Luis Campos are said to have gone well and the 2 stars agreed to close the problem.

It is not easy for Galtier to find feasible solutions to this problem as the locker room is full of egos. The key answer is in the two players. They have to find harmony, otherwise PSG will not probably have a successful season.

Reference source:

https://www.elfutbolero.us/news/Kylian-Mbappes-personal-problems-are-affecting-his-performance-in-the-pitch-20220814-0025.html

https://www.espn.com/soccer/paris-saint-germain--frapsg/story/4723754/neymarmbappe-and-psgs-penaltygate-ii-can-the-two-superstars-coexist-amid-simmering-tensions