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Has Neymar already discovered a option to rationalize his tough begin at Santos? The Brazilian celebrity, who just lately made his much-anticipated return to his boyhood membership, suffered his first defeat in his second spell with the workforce—a 2-1 loss in opposition to Corinthians.
Whereas the veteran had already confronted scrutiny for his health ranges and efficiency, it was his post-match remarks that really raised eyebrows. As an alternative of focusing solely on the match, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star pointed to an surprising problem—one that might clarify his struggles but in addition appears fairly uncommon.
At 33 years outdated, Neymar’s return to Santos was meant to be a homecoming full of pleasure. He was welcomed as a hero after parting methods with Al-Hilal, the place his time in Saudi Arabia was tormented by accidents. Nonetheless, his much-anticipated comeback has been something however clean.
His first two video games for his boyhood aspect led to attracts in opposition to Botafogo and Novorizontino, leaving followers ready for a first victory. When he lastly bought one other likelihood to begin in opposition to Corinthians, hopes have been excessive that he would lead his workforce to a breakthrough win.
As an alternative, the Peixe fell 2-1, regardless of recording extra pictures than their opponents. Neymar, who was as soon as once more making an attempt to discover his rhythm, was substituted within the 68th minute. The Brazilian media had combined reactions to his efficiency, with A Tribuna describing it as “discreet” and Placar noting that whereas he appeared to have “extra recreation rhythm”, he nonetheless “did little” to affect the match.
Unlikely perpetrator: Campeonato Paulista’s match ball
After the ultimate whistle, Neymar made headlines—not for his efficiency, however for his criticism of the match ball. In an interview with TV File, he didn’t maintain again, calling for an enchancment within the high quality of the ball used within the Campeonato Paulista [Paulista Championship].
“From the outset, with all due respect to Penalty, which sponsors the ball, I believe they should enhance this ball somewhat bit extra,” Neymar acknowledged. “The opposite day [Flamengo coach] Filipe Luis stated it, and I agree. This ball is absolutely unhealthy and must be improved somewhat bit extra to assist our championship too.”
In line with Neymar, the ball’s flight and bounce really feel unnatural, particularly in aerial duels. “It is rather poor. It’s actually a special ball; I’ve seen it for a number of weeks now. There have been quite a few conditions, significantly in aerial duels, and I’ve noticed that the best way it comes down is considerably completely different. It virtually feels prefer it’s falling otherwise,” he defined.
This isn’t the primary time the Penalty-branded match ball, which has been the official ball of the Paulista Championship for years, has been utilized in competitors. It is usually utilized within the Uruguayan league. Nonetheless, Neymar’s complaints mark the first occasion of such high-profile criticism directed at it.
