PSG boss Christophe Galtier has made comment to quiet probable chaos in the club following Kylian Mbappe’s statements seemingly aimed at Neymar’s lifestyle.
The Ligue1 club recently lost 1-0 at home to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash on Tuesday, 14th of February.
World cup golden boot winner Kylian Mbappe provided a spark from the bench as the 24-year-old Frenchman returns from injury and very nearly pulled PSG back into parity in the match all by himself.
And, following the 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich, Mbappe called for focus, and adequate recovery and persuaded his teammates to rest well before their second leg which will come up on the 8th of March.
Meanwhile, Mbappe’s comment was seemingly aimed at Neymar, knowing the Brazilian playmaker for his social lifestyle, saying: “Our players have to be in good health for the return leg. Everyone needs to eat and sleep well. We’re going to work, get everyone back and get there to qualify.”
However, Neymar did otherwise as the Brazilian star featured in a marathon poker tournament the very next day which ran late into the evening, before making a trip to McDonald’s.
And PSG manager Christophe Galtier didn’t waste time as he hastily intervened to calm any issues that may arise following Kylian Mbappe’s comments.
Ahead of Sunday’s matchup with Lille at Parc des Princes, Galtier was asked about Neymar’s behavior in response to Mbappe’s rational admonition.
Galtier, in defense of the Brazilian, said Neymar has the right to play poker on his day off.
Galtier told reporters: “I’m not going to associate Kylian’s statement with the photo of Ney in a fast-food restaurant. I spoke with Ney; I told him what I thought.”
“He has the right, on his day off, to play poker, which he loves. I told him what I thought of this photo that came out. There is no confusion to be made.”
The Ligue1 giant boss Galtier reaffirmed Mbappe’s statement that the team will need to be fresh for the reverse fixture.
Galtier added: “What Kylian said in the mixed zone is exactly what he said in the locker room. Words of great maturity so that everyone remains fresh and mobilized. They are welcome.”
The Parisians are currently on their worst losing run since 2011 having been thrashed three times on the bounce.
Their home loss to Bayern Munich was preceded by a Ligue 1 defeat at Monaco and a Coupe de France humiliation at the hands of fierce rivals Marseille.
Galtier will have to prove he is the right man for the job as PSG will be put under the spotlight once again when they travel to Germany for the second leg next month.
As for Mbappe’s call for the team’s focus and preparedness, whether Neymar is well-fed and well-rested is another case that will be noticed during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg matchup against Bayern Munich.
