His return to Santos He was longed for by millions of fans, but did not meet expectations. Neymar did not kick the arch against Novorizontino in the Paulista championship and ended his debut as a starter with a goalless draw. Although he recently recovered from a long injury and returned from Saudi Arabia with little filming, Brazil’s press was implacable and destroyed him for his almost zero participation.
“He was the most wanted and had poor performance“, qualification Globo In his chronicle. Following the same line, the one that also added was Globo Esporteanother recognized local medium. “He did not see the color of the ball in his first game“He said.
However, far from being the communicators the only Al Hilalyour former club.
“Your march is one more proof of We are looking and we need players capable of offering maximum performance. As much as Neymar has contributed to our marketing success, sports performance is first and here we have concluded that He is no longer able to offer what we expected“He released Esteve Road.
Then, he lashed out: “I don’t say that I can’t play anymorebut competition in our team is fierce. We have a limited number of squares for foreign players and are doing an excellent job. Neymar is not at the level that allows you to pay as we need to achieve our goals to win the League, win the AFC Champions League and reach the highest possible level in the Club World Cup. “
As a counterpart, after the goalless draw, his coach went to the crossing at the press conference and publicly banked him. “That Neymar that I, that he and that we all want to see, needs continuity of matchesthat has the ability to have a sequence and that gains rhythm. So, the most important thing is that this continuity is well planned, “he said Pedro Caixinha.
Beyond the offenses, what really worries in Santos is the football level of Neymar. Your re -regular as a holder in front of the Novorizontine It was low. He played 75 minutes and his numbers were negative: he lost 24 balls, he only won five of the 17 duels he played, of the eight dribbles that he tried only one was successful and did not kicked the arch or once.
The Santos, who does not go through his best moment in the Paulista championship, is played a lot in the next games. This Wednesday, February 12, you will visit Corinthians in the Neo Chemistry Arena and then face Água Santa and Northwest at home. Neymar, who promised to be at his best level in “three or four games”, will have to accelerate that process if he wants to change the image of his disappointing return.