After last season’s European disappointment, a new era looks to be underway at PSG.
Mauricio Pochettino has been replaced by Christophe Galtier, while Leonardo Araujo has made way for Luis Campos to take over as sporting director. The hirings indicate a more practical approach by the Parisiens, who’ve already made Kylian Mbappe the focal point of their sporting project. The forward shocked the world by opting to remain in France, snubbing his childhood favourites Real Madrid in the process.
Reports around the time suggested that a mammoth contract offer persuaded the Frenchman to stay. These reports also stated that Mbappe was handed a certain degree of control over the club’s activities, in relation to matters such as acquisitions and outgoings.
Shortly after, news of PSG superstar Neymar’s availability broke out, which was attributed to a reported rift between the Brazilian and Mbappe.
Naturally, the duo have been under the inspection lens ever since, and their interactions have received more attention than ever. So when a training clip of Neymar apparently ‘ignoring’ Mbappe surfaced, fans online were quick on the scene, and it soon went viral.
As seen in it, PSG players partner up for a quick drill, and it’s Mbappe’s turn to step up.
The 23-year-old readies himself and extends his arms, but is made to wait for his training buddy. Across from him stands Neymar, who can clearly see the Frenchman urging someone to do the drill with him, a plea the Brazilian looks to ‘ignore’. Soon enough, a member of the training staff enters the fray to aid Mbappe, after which Neymar and Lionel Messi complete their turn.
At first glance, it may look as if Neymar couldn’t be bothered to partner up with Mbappe, but on closer inspection, it’s pretty evident that the Frenchman was indeed waiting for the staff member.
Eventually, despite the situation being obvious, the gossip took over and Neymar ignoring Mbappe became a popular topic. Nevertheless, the clip itself provides enough evidence and dismisses the notion.
