Mbappe and Al-Khelaifi’s Distant Stance
During a recent training session where Mbappe and the PSG President were present, a team photo was taken, revealing a significant physical gap between the two figures. This image signifies the continued tension in their relationship. Al-Khelaifi’s visit to the new PSG training facility, Campus PSG, was the first, coinciding with Mbappe’s initial training at the state-of-the-art £257 million center, inaugurated in June.
Al-Khelaifi’s Unusual Approach
It is customary for Al-Khelaifi to individually meet and have intimate conversations with players to inquire about their well-being and motivate them for the upcoming season. However, instead of following this norm, he focused solely on welcoming the six new signings to the club: Milan Skriniar, Marco Asensio, Manuel Ugarte, Lucas Hernandez, Lee Kang In, and Cher Ndour.
Al-Khelaifi’s Avoidance of Mbappe
There seems to be no specific reason for Al-Khelaifi to meet with the French forward. It appears that the influential president is deliberately avoiding Mbappe until his future at Parc des Princes is resolved unequivocally.
According to Le Parisien, Al-Khelaifi used the pretext of visiting Campus PSG to observe whether Mbappe had arrived for training. Only after witnessing Mbappe’s active participation and jovial interactions with teammates did Al-Khelaifi feel reassured. However, due to escalating tensions between the club and the French international, he refrained from arranging a private meeting.
Al-Khelaifi’s Assertive Message
During a 15-minute speech before the training session, Al-Khelaifi expressed gratitude towards goalkeeper Sergio Rico, who recently recovered from a severe horse-riding accident. Al-Khelaifi’s message carried a resolute tone, seemingly directed towards Mbappe.
Emphasizing the importance of collective unity, Al-Khelaifi stated that no individual is above the club. He stressed that any player who does not respect the team and prioritizes personal achievements should reconsider staying at Parc des Princes.
The Path Forward
Al-Khelaifi urged the players to give their utmost on the field, providing exciting football that would entertain and repay the support of the fans. He encouraged the team to acknowledge and respect the supporters, who invest their money to watch them play, even during challenging times. Al-Khelaifi reminded the players that they train at the world’s best facility and should take pride in it, as they have all the necessary resources for success.
Al-Khelaifi emphasized that at PSG, the head coach has the final say and makes the ultimate decisions. With a united front consisting of Luis Enrique, Luis Campos, the board, players, and staff, PSG stands above any individual. The article mentions that Mbappe’s fate, whether he stays or leaves, remains in Al-Khelaifi’s hands until the deadline of July 31, despite the opportunity for a personal conversation during the recent meeting. Mbappe, on the other hand, remains steadfast in his refusal to activate the one-year contract extension clause. If PSG fails to sell him in the summer of 2023, the 24-year-old forward intends to leave as a free agent after the 2023/24 season.
