Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has a few ideas for Neymar to keep his cool during another important derby against Espanyol.
After missing the last three league matches due to a suspension for a red card, Neymar is back in the Barcelona squad. He returns at an important time as Barca are set to take on Espanyol in a Catalonian derby match. Other than the teams in Madrid, this is one of Barca’s biggest league rivals. Espanyol always play Barca tough and they likely will this time around.
Neymar has a history of being provoked by the fans of Espanyol before, during, and after their matches. The 25-year-old has to keep his cool because his team needs him if they are to steal the league title from Real Madrid. Manager Luis Enrique had a few thoughts on the fact that Neymar at times hasn’t been able to keep his composure. He talked about this and other things at the pre-match press conference.
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"“I think Neymar is a specialist at putting up with these situations. If there’s a player that is used to receiving the most fouls it’s Neymar and I think he can control these situations perfectly. Throughout his career he’s not been sent off often. But yes, a derby against Espanyol is a game when control is needed from all the players.”Luis Enrique On Neymar’s Composure"
Overall, Neymar is an integral part to the success of Barcelona going forward. The team needs him to produce goals and assists. He can’t do that if he doesn’t have discipline towards opponents or referees. The Brazilian has served suspensions in the Champions League and La Liga this season for receiving many yellow cards. Most of his bookings were for dissent to officials after many foul claims. Neymar can’t do this for the rest of the season because without him Barcelona’s slim title hopes turn to none.