Neymar has been in spectacular form for PSG this season, the only issue is that Kylian Mbappé wants to get rid of him already.
For most of his five years in France, Neymar has served as PSG’s focal point. After lagging the last 18 months, his explosive start to the season has revived his status among the team. He appears to be the player PSG believed they had signed in 2017, possibly for the first time.
Despite the fact that he has five goals and three assists in three games this season, it is unusual for him to act with such constant ruthlessness.
Neymar has fluctuated recently between the matchwinner and the showman. Last season, the focused Neymar was important at times, most notably in late victories versus
But it has also been typical to see a showboating, disinterested Neymar, particularly in Ligue 1 matches at the Parc des Princes. His lack of drive appeared to be a result of his state of mind.
He lacked the focus (and possibly even the physical fitness) needed to make the right decisions at the right times.
The 30-year-career old’s was in danger of stalling because Mbappé and Lionel Messi now commanded greater respect in the locker room and the executive suite. Few other teams could afford to sign the Brazilians, and even fewer were motivated to do so after such a disappointing season.
What sparked the fight between Mbappé and Neymar?
It appears that PSG does not have any quiet weeks. The Ligue 1 winners experienced their first “crisis” of the season at the weekend involving two of their key players, Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, despite the excitement that his contract renewal in May caused among fans.
The pair struggled at times in the 5-2 annihilation of Montpellier, and the club has now decided to step in to stop the problem in its tracks.
According to L’Équipe, a meeting between the two and manager Christophe Galtier is scheduled later this week to settle any lingering issues related to what transpired on Saturday at the Parc des Princes. Sporting director Luis Campos will also be present.
It all began in the 38th minute when Mbappé insisted on taking another penalty after earlier in the game missing one, but Neymar objected. After a brief conversation between the two, the Brazilian took the ball himself to the penalty spot and scored PSG’s second of five goals, apparently persuaded he should take the penalty.
Galtier stated that the penalties had been awarded in accordance with a predetermined order during his post-game press conference. The first player chosen for the match was Mbappé, and the second was Neymar. But things didn’t stop there. Later, Neymar “liked” two tweets on Twitter that questioned Mbappé’s influence at PSG and noted that Neymar is an expert at taking penalties while the Frenchman, for all his talent, lacks Neymar’s ability.
Mbappé angry during training last week
It was later revealed that Mbappé’s performance against Montpellier, which was below par despite scoring in the second half, was influenced by personal issues. According to L’Équipe, Mbappé struggled last week in practice for unidentified personal reasons.
In addition to his altercation with Neymar over the penalty against Montpellier, the striker also got into a fight with Marquinhos, the club captain, and Vitinha over the latter’s failure to pass the ball to him.
Mbappé’s season has not gotten off to a good start. Due to his ban, he was unable to participate in the thumping of Clermont on matchday one, as well as the French Super Cup match against Nantes.
The former Monaco star made a number of errors in his debut game under his new deal, showed a heavy touch, and missed a penalty. However, PSG continues to have complete faith in its top player.
Mbappé was not against Neymar leaving
One of the promises PSG made to Mbappé when his contract was extended was to give him more influence over decision-making in addition to providing him with an aspirational platform to win the Champions League.
The striker was questioned over Neymar’s departure, who had been added to the transfer list in the summer.
The relationship between the two is reportedly tense, as Mbappé never expressly requested nor opposed the Brazilian’s departure, according to L’Équipe.
L’Equipe reports that Mbappé’s colleagues have suffered as a result of PSG giving him full control. Messi and Neymar are close friends from their time at Barça, and neither of them is very excited about the prospect of playing for the Frenchman.
The agreement between the two was on full display in the first two games of the season without Mbappé, which was a vastly different scene from what occurred at Montpellier.
Neymar was shocked by the powers Mbappé was given
Neymar’s response to Mbappé’s promotion is more profound than Messi’s. The Brazilian’s team refused to reveal specifics to L’Équipe but did express amazement at the freedom PSG has given Mbappé, adding that Neymar does not envision himself serving as the Frenchman’s on-field squire.
Contrary to expectations considering that PSG was apparently eager to trade him, Neymar has emerged as the team’s best player at the start of the season. The Brazilian answered by coming back from vacation a week early, being in top shape right away, and acting incorruptibly.
A club used to managing the egos of a star-studded lineup that looked to have no common purpose other than winning the Champions League is now experiencing stress once more.
