Issues are usually not going properly for Neymar proper now. On prime of his absence from Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for Brazil’s November worldwide break, Santos are struggling in Serie A, going through a severe danger of relegation. The staff’s newest defeat drew sharp criticism for the 33-year-old ahead.
On Matchday 33 of the league, Santos suffered a 3-2 loss towards Flamengo, one of many league leaders alongside Palmeiras. Whereas the end result was predictable given the power of the opponent, the gamers got here below fireplace. Amongst them, in fact, the primary goal was Neymar over a particular incident.
On the 85-minute mark, with Flamengo main 3-0, coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda made the shocking determination to substitute Neymar. The ahead didn’t take it properly, and after leaving the sector, he gestured towards members of the workers, saying: “Come on, you’re taking me out?”
The story didn’t finish there. After shaking palms with some teammates on the bench, he walked straight to the locker room, although there have been nonetheless a number of minutes left within the match. The scenario prompted controversy, not solely due to Neymar’s response but in addition resulting from what occurred on the pitch within the following minutes.
Santos head coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda.
Vojvoda’s surprising determination to take out the previous Barcelona star, although shocking, paid off. Within the subsequent jiffy, Santos scored two objectives and hit the put up as soon as, in the end dropping 3-2 however leaving a extra aggressive impression. Moreover, Benjamin Rollheiser, who got here on for Neymar, assisted on one of many objectives.
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Criticism of Neymar
Santos’ poor outcomes, mixed with controversies surrounding Neymar, have sparked intense criticism. Neto, a former membership participant in 1994 and a Corinthians legend, was particularly harsh on the 33-year-old ahead. “You didn’t play in any respect! You walked the complete subject… A shame!” he mentioned on his present Radio Craque Neto.
“Whilst you Santos followers imagine this man will lead Santos to glory… You’re going to be relegated to Serie B due to Neymar and the president,” Neto added. “It’s Neymar’s fault, and his enablers. Take a look at how completely different Santos is with out him.”
How are Santos doing within the Brazilian league?
The loss to Flamengo over the weekend was Santos’ second consecutive defeat, having earned solely 2 factors from the final 15. That places them in a really tough place because the season nears its finish, contemplating the intense danger of relegation they face.
Presently, Santos sit in seventeenth place within the standings, one of many 4 groups within the relegation zone, together with Juventude, Fortaleza, and Sport Recife. With 33 factors, Neymar’s staff is simply two factors behind their closest rival, Vitoria. The excellent news is that they have performed one fewer match, so that they nonetheless management their future.
