After the “penalty-gate” between Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, PSG coach Christophe Galtier tried to smooth the waters.
During the match against Montpellier (5:2), it seemed that Neymar and Mbappé had a little discussion about the penalty before the 2:0 – in the end, the Brazilian converted. Mbappé had missed from the spot in the first half. A situation that not only irritated and fuelled rumours about the dispute between the two stars, but also raised the question of who is allowed to take the penalties for the French champions.
Asked at the press conference who would actually be the first shooter, Galtier replied: “It could be Messi, Ramos too. There’s what I want in preparation for the game, that has to be respected, and there’s also the reality of the game.” For strikers, the former OGC Nice coach said “it’s important to score goals, for their confidence. But there are game situations and it’s up to the players to be intelligent and take a step back when necessary to give confidence to their teammates. “
There were numerous rumours circulating in the press and also on the internet after the game against Montpellier about the possible falling out, indeed discomfort, between the two PSG superstars – reinforced by likes Neymar had put on tweets that were less than kind to his teammate. The coach wanted to set the record straight.
“There is no discomfort. This is a misunderstanding. We met the next day, of course, to clear things up. I confirm to you in all honesty that we had a very pleasant week to prepare well for the game against Lille,” said Galtier, who took over PSG in the summer. Paris will play the second-placed team in the table next Sunday (8.45pm).
After three matchdays, the capital club has nine points on its account. LOSC have four points and last played 1-1 against Nantes.
