Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 12, 2024 2:10 am GMT
Kylian Mbappé is facing new challenges as he joins Real Madrid, and not all his former teammates are optimistic about the transition. Neymar Jr., who shared a complex relationship with the French forward during their time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), is warning his fellow Brazilians at Real Madrid about the difficulties of playing with Mbappé.
Neymar’s Cautionary Advice
Neymar, currently with Al Hilal, has reportedly reached out to Brazilian players at Real Madrid—Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Eder Militao. He shared candid words about his experiences alongside Mbappé during their tenure at PSG. The message conveyed by Neymar was stark: playing with the World Cup winner could sometimes be “catastrophic” and “hell.”
According to journalist Cyril Hanouna, this communication signifies the continued friction between Neymar and Mbappé, even after their separation. Hanouna elaborated, saying, “The Brazilians at Real Madrid are friends with Neymar. It has always been a war between Neymar and Mbappé.”
The context of this warning arises from their complicated five-year partnership at PSG, where they played together on 136 occasions and together managed to score 54 goals. However, a souring relationship began to unfold over time, culminating in Neymar’s departure from PSG in 2023.
The Evolution of Their Relationship
The relationship dynamics between Neymar and Mbappé have shifted since both joined PSG in 2017. Initially, the duo appeared to be strong teammates. However, as years went by, reports indicated increasing friction. Some key points to note include:
- Summer Transfer Turmoil: Neymar left PSG in 2023, leaving Mbappé as the standout star.
- Poor Communication: Mbappé has previously described their relationship as “hot and cold,” reflecting inconsistent synergy both on and off the pitch.
- Differences in Playing Style: Observations made by pundits showed that both players sometimes struggled for dominance in PSG’s attacking style, contributing to their challenging partnership.
Amid these struggles, Neymar’s advice to Real Madrid’s Brazilian players serves as a heads-up about the potential difficulties that may arise when adapting to a new team dynamic with Mbappé.
Implications for Real Madrid
With Neymar’s warning echoing in the ears of the Brazilian contingent at Real Madrid, the implications could be significant. Each player will need to navigate their roles carefully to ensure harmony in the squad.
- Team Chemistry: The past difficulties between Neymar and Mbappé highlight the importance of team chemistry. Real Madrid’s Brazilian players must establish a rapport with Mbappé while also maintaining their unique playing styles.
- Adaptability: Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Eder Militao will need to quickly adapt to Mbappé’s playing style, ensuring open lines of communication to prevent situations that could result in misunderstandings on the field.
- Support System: Given Neymar’s inclination to share insights, the Brazilian players might also benefit from maintaining close relationships, providing each other with the necessary support they need during any adjustment phase.
Looking Ahead
As the football season progresses, Real Madrid is set to face pivotal matches, including their Champions League title defense. Kylian Mbappé, with a fresh start at the club, will be a focal point on the pitch. Meanwhile, Neymar’s candid warning serves as a crucial caution for those who will share the field with the French star.
It remains to be seen how this advice will influence the dynamics within the Real Madrid squad, especially among the Brazilian players who hold a unique bond with Neymar. How the team navigates these challenges could affect their overall performance moving forward.
Real Madrid’s upcoming games are really important as the team gets used to its new players. Fans and experts are excited to see how the team works together and if Neymar’s advice matters in this new stage for the club.
