According to the Brazilian football teams’ Olympic coach Rogerio Micale, Neymar could quit international football if fans continue to disrespect him. Brazil have put on a mediocre show in Rio in front of their home fans and Neymar has been made the scapegoat. Brazil are on the verge of elimination after 2 drab 0-0 draws against South Africa and Iran.
Fans have targetted the 24-year-old Barcelona ace for his poor performances and lack of leadership. While Neymar has been publicly targetted, fans have been seen chanting the name of Marta, who has flourished in the women’s team at this year's Games.
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Neymar also declined to talk to the media after the game against Iraq further attracting furious rants in his direction. The former Santos striker has failed to replicate his superb season at Barcelona and has been completely uninfluential in this year’s Olympics.
Coach Micale though felt that Neymar has been unfairly treated. “If we don't respect our stars, then they won't want to be with us. Neymar wanted to be with the national side and he had to take this on and at the age of 24 people are making so many demands of him."
He went on to say, “Marta and Neymar are two great Brazilian players, Neymar is just 24 and hasn’t fully matured. Generally, a player reaches his peak at 28, both physically and mentally, and he has had to deal with the pressure of being a leader since he was 17 years old.”
Micale feels that Brazil are still in a position to qualify from the group and that they will have to reflect on their performances and make the required changes. “We always have to reflect and even more so when we don't get the desired result," Micale said.
"We have a way of playing that allows us to make changes and we can't change that without training. We're not going to change everything because we're not winning. What we can do is make some alterations."
Brazil are currently in second spot, tied with Iran. Denmark lead Group A with 4 points while South Africa are bottom with just a point.
