Former Real Madrid star Jose Maria Guti has laid into Barcelona forward Neymar, claiming that the Brazilian is a serial diver on the pitch. As such, Guti joked that Neymar deserved an Oscar for ‘best actor’ given his alleged theatrics on the pitch.
Guti was speaking at a promotional event ahead of the Madrid derby on Saturday, and did not just single out Neymar for criticism as he laid into a trio of Barcelona players, saying “Barcelona’s players make theatre. Neymar, Jordi Alba and Dani Alves exaggerate more than necessary when they need to.”
“Neymar deserves the Oscar for best actor for the many films he has done.”
Given Guti’s obvious allegiances, it is hardly surprising that he has criticized the Barcelona forward. The Spaniard was a fan-favourite at the Santiago Bernabeu, as he made over 500 appearances for Real Madrid, and won 15 trophies at the club in a 16-year spell, which included 3 Champions League trophies as well.
However, it’s not just rivals who have criticized Neymar for diving – Brazilian legend Pele acknowledged earlier that Neymar has a tendency to dive, saying “Diving is his characteristic, I think he tries to create fouls and situations that are not there.This part of his game lets him down.”
Real Madrid should focus on Champions League
With a pivotal Madrid derby on the horizon, Guti was rather despondent about Real’s chances to win La Liga. The Spaniard was part of an era when the gap between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid was quite large, with the Madrid derby usually being a foregone conclusion. However, the tables have turned as Diego Simeone has revitalized the club, as the Rojiblancos are above Real Madrid in the table.
Los Blancos sit in 3rd position on 54 points, while Atletico are ahead of them in 2nd on 55 points. Real Madrid are a full 9 points behind the Barcelona juggernaut, and Guti is not optimistic about their chances, saying “You have to show the fans that you can go to the end of the season. The championship is practically lost but we must try to make a good Champions League.”
Guti also stoked the fires ahead of the Madrid derby by claiming that Atletico’s players weren’t good enough for Real Madrid, saying “Would I sign any Atletico player for Real? I’d struggle, to be honest. I don’t feel there are any that could play for Real Madrid at this moment.”
A win for Zinedine Zidane would improve the mood around the Santiago Bernabeu, and will be especially vital after Los Galacticos could only manage a 1-1 draw away to Malaga in their previous game.
