Despite Paris Saint-Germain defeating Juventus 2-1 on Tuesday at the Parc des Princes, there was controversy after Kylian Mbappé opted to shoot the ball rather than pass to an open Neymar Jr.
Once again, various media platforms have run with this story to question the relationship between the two PSG stars.
During a segment on Wednesday’s edition of RMC Sport’s Rothen s’enflamme, the former Olympique Lyonnais sporting director Juninho says the two stars don’t need to be friends.
Additionally, he adds that Neymar and Mbappé must be “responsible” on the pitch with PSG, even if their relationship is not very good.
“They don’t have to be friends,” Juninho said. “It’s true that it gives the impression on certain actions that they do not see each other or pretend. The most important thing is that they are responsible. That means training by giving everything.
“And from the moment you’re on the pitch, that’s the most important thing. You have to respect the supporters, the jersey worn. If the coach and the leaders are able to manage that and make it understood to the players, I don’t think they will have any problems on the pitch.”
This incident on the pitch is the second time the media has focused on the relationship between Neymar and Mbappé, the first being the “penalty gate.” There’s no denying now when there’s the slightest controversy between the two outlets will run with any narrative.
It’s only September, and so PSG supporters could be in for a long ride of controversy if this continues.
It is true