PSG asks Neymar not to compete with Cavani for penalty kicks

PSG leaders had to intervene to resolve the conflict between Edinson Cavani and Neymar.

According to Marca, PSG decided that Cavani would continue to take the penalties when the Uruguayan striker was on the pitch. Neymar therefore did not compete with his teammates for the penalty, as he did in the match against Lyon last weekend.

European clubs often have clear rules about which players take corner kicks and penalties. Direct free kicks are more flexible, avoiding being predicted by the goalkeeper. Neymar is not unaware of this, but according to Marca, perhaps the Brazilian striker still maintains the habit of being given the penalty kick by Lionel Messi (11 times) as when he was at Barca.

PSG's coaching staff initially let Neymar and Cavani settle things themselves, believing that the two had minor conflicts and were only interested in scoring goals. But tensions between the two South American strikers escalated after Neymar unfollowed Cavani on social media, as well as the near-fight in the locker room after the win over Lyon.

PSG wants Neymar to respect the decision to let Cavani take the penalty.

RMC radio reported that PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi met privately with Neymar and Cavani to make peace and avoid creating a tense atmosphere in the dressing room. PSG needs both Cavani and Neymar to win the Champions League, and cannot sacrifice either one.

According to VNE