Enrique Defends Neymar’s Bad Behaviour
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique dismissed questions about Neymar's attitude towards opponents, after Atletico Madrid captain Gabi hinted at a lack of respect from the Brazilian forward.
Neymar struck twice in Barcelona's 3-2 win over Atletico at the Estadio Vicente Calderon on Wednesday, which secured a 4-2 aggregate victory in their Copa del Rey quarter-final, but Gabi was unimpressed by the 22-year-old's body language during the match.
When the former Santos striker gave Barca a 3-2 lead in the second leg, he cupped his ear towards the home fans as if to dismiss their vitriol.
Gabi, who was sent off at half-time for complaining to the referee, seemed to indicate it was disrespectful.
"He has a peculiar way of playing, especially when he's winning," Atleti's skipper said.
"He makes gestures out on the pitch, especially when he's winning. Nobody likes to lose and his behaviour can be annoying."
But Enrique was unfazed saying "Neymar's attitude is normal for a player like him, with a lot of self-confidence.
"He delivers a lot to the team in both offensive and defensive part of the game. He understands football this way. He scores goals, dribbling... nobody will change him.
"He is being like this many years and we like him as he is a very brave player. So I think he has done a prominent performance."
Barcelona sits second in La Liga, a point behind leaders Real Madrid, while they are set to face Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 in February.
Neymar struck twice in Barcelona's 3-2 win over Atletico at the Estadio Vicente Calderon on Wednesday, which secured a 4-2 aggregate victory in their Copa del Rey quarter-final, but Gabi was unimpressed by the 22-year-old's body language during the match.
When the former Santos striker gave Barca a 3-2 lead in the second leg, he cupped his ear towards the home fans as if to dismiss their vitriol.
Gabi, who was sent off at half-time for complaining to the referee, seemed to indicate it was disrespectful.
"He has a peculiar way of playing, especially when he's winning," Atleti's skipper said.
"He makes gestures out on the pitch, especially when he's winning. Nobody likes to lose and his behaviour can be annoying."
But Enrique was unfazed saying "Neymar's attitude is normal for a player like him, with a lot of self-confidence.
"He delivers a lot to the team in both offensive and defensive part of the game. He understands football this way. He scores goals, dribbling... nobody will change him.
"He is being like this many years and we like him as he is a very brave player. So I think he has done a prominent performance."
Barcelona sits second in La Liga, a point behind leaders Real Madrid, while they are set to face Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 in February.
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