Dorival Júnior says he wants Neymar in the national team: ‘As long as he’s focused’
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Coach recalled penalty episode with the attacker during Santos’s time in 2010
In his presentation to the Brazilian team, Dorival Júnior mentioned only two players by name: defender Thiago Silva, when asked about the possibility of being called up, and striker Neymar. 14 years ago, when he was at Santos, in 2010, the now Brazil coach faced a controversial episode with the player that resulted in his dismissal. Asked about Neymar’s future in the national team, Dorival praised the player and said he wants him in the team, but “as long as he is focused”.
“Brazil has to learn to play without Neymar, understanding that he is injured, but also that we have one of the three best players in the world currently, and we have to take advantage. As long as he’s better (from the injury) and focused. I have no problem with Ney. That situation went beyond what was expected in an unnecessary way, but we talked right after the game. I never had any kind of problem with the athlete, quite the opposite. Whenever we meet, it’s a very positive situation,”
said Dorival Júnior in his presentation to the Brazilian team.
Shortly after winning the Copa do Brasil title with Santos in 2010, the coach and the athlete had a conflict over a decision on who would take a penalty in Peixe’s game against Atlético-GO. At the time, the attacker had missed four penalties in a row, which made the coach determine that Marcel would be the taker. Dissatisfied, Neymar argued with his teammates on the field and with the commander.
The coach ended up punishing the attacker and leaving him out of the match against Guarani. He later announced that he would maintain the punishment in a classic against Corinthians. Santos’ board of directors chose to fire him after the announcement.
According to Dorival himself in past interviews, the issue was resolved in the locker room after the match. Neymar, in turn, has already said he regrets his action.
*With information from the Extra website
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