By Betsefy
Kylian Mbappe is reportedly at the centre of a split within Paris Saint-Germain‘s first-team squad, with a number of players outraged with his attitude.
The 23-year-old has been in the headlines after multiple reports claim that he wants to leave the Parc de Princes in the January transfer window.
Mbappe appeared to end speculation over a potential exit when he penned a new three-year contract with the Ligue 1 champions in May until the summer of 2025.
However, the France international’s relationship with PSG is believed to be ‘completely broken’ and the forward intends to push for a transfer away from the club in the New Year.
According to L’Equipe, a plethora of Mbappe’s teammates are unhappy with his fluctuating attitude in and around the dressing room, and the forward is becoming increasingly isolated within the first-team squad.
The report adds that the discontent towards Mbappe is continuing to grow and the Frenchman only has the support of four teammates in Presnel Kimpembe, Achraf Hakimi, Nordi Mukiele and Hugo Ekitike.
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South American stars Neymar, Lionel Messi and captain Marquinhos are among those who are angered by Mbappe’s attitude and disapprove the level of power he has gained at the club following his bumper new £650,000-a-week contract renewal five months ago.
Mbappe has made a prolific start to the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 12 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions, including a record-breaking strike in the 1-1 Champions League draw with Benfica on Wednesday.
However, the Frenchman is believed to be frustrated with they way he has been used by manager Christophe Galtier, and he uploaded an Instagram story – which was later deleted – with the caption #pivotgang, referencing his preference to play as a central striker.
Galtier has since played down speculation regarding his relationship with Mbappe, telling reporters, via the Daily Mail: “I spoke a lot with Kylian at the start of the season and I was very attentive to his comments when he was playing for France, saying that he felt better in Les Bleus’ attacking set-up.
“Across pre-season we spoke with [sporting director] Luis Campos and the president [Nasser Al-Khelaifi] to get a fourth striker, with a different profile, who would allow for two strikers and for Kylian to play as much as possible in his preferred area.
“Kylian sometimes finds himself in the middle and he gets the impression that he’s a pivot. But he’s a smart player who’s capable of adapting.”
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Both Galtier and Campos have also denied rumours of Mbappe wanting to leave the club, with the latter confident that he will remain at the club beyond the winter window.
Speaking to RMC Sport on Wednesday, Campos said: “It’s a categorical denial on our part. Whether he’s happy or not, that’s a question you have to ask him. It’s a very personal question.
“I see Kylian working. Kylian is an extraordinary professional. For example, he played sick in the last match in Reims, he made the effort for the team. I see Kylian arriving with his teammates, happy every day and with a huge desire to work.
“I’m very surprised because I’m with Kylian Mbappe every day and he never asked me, and I just asked the president, he never asked to leave in January. I don’t think that he thinks about it because if he thinks about it, he’s going to tell me. He never told me, I know he never told the president, that he wants to leave in January.
“In my opinion yes [he’s staying in January]. He never said anything to me. For me it’s clear that Kylian Mbappe is staying to follow his contract with PSG.”
PSG have allegedly identified AC Milan forward Rafael Leao as a potential target if they decide to part ways with Mbappe, who has been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
