PSG coach says no bad blood between Neymar, Mbappe

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Aug 2022 16:21

Paris Saint-Germain coach denies a deep problem between Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier

Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier said on Friday there is no bad blood between team stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

Neymar insisted on taking the team's second penalty against Montpellier last Saturday after Mbappe had missed the first.

Mbappe did not celebrate after Neymar scored the penalty.

Galtier described the apparent differences between the two as an "epiphenomenon", suggesting that the matter was not a symptom of any deeper problem.

"We saw each other quickly the next day to iron out all that, to say what we had to say to each other," said Galtier told a press conference ahead of Sunday's Ligue 1 visit to Lille.

The coach underlined that "We had a very pleasant week at work. Everyone worked well. I enjoyed all the sessions this week and this epiphenomenon disappeared very quickly, that is to say the day after our meeting."

Galtier pointed out after the game that instructions "had been respected" regarding penalty takers.

"There was a precise order in this game, Kylian as number one and 'Ney' as number two."

Other potential penalty takers include Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos, said Galtier, adding that it was "important for our strikers to score goals, to keep the confidence."

In his first competitive game against Montepellier since deciding to stay in Paris rather than join Real Madrid, the 23-year-old Mbappe scored in a 5-2 win but showed a frustrated, unhappy, and isolated figure.

Last season, Mbappe was PSG's outstanding performer, scoring 39 goals in all competitions, while Neymar struggled.

Yet the 30-year-old Brazilian has seemed rejuvenated this season, scoring five goals in three games.