Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Martino: Neymar Still has a Lot to Learn

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino says Neymar still has plenty to learn about the Spanish game.

The Brazilian has been in fine form recently, netting a hat trick against Celtic in the Champions League last week and a double at Villarreal over the weekend in the absence of injured Lionel Messi.

However, the 21-year-old received his fifth booking of the league campaign for time wasting in Barca's last match and will subsequently miss the clash against Getafe on Sunday, which Martino believes shows Neymar still has to mature.
“He has to settle in Spanish football and get to know the referees. After the first half of the season he'll have a better view. It's a matter of learning," he told Marca. With Neymar finding his goal scoring touch, Barca players also reserved special praise for the attacker.

Andres Iniesta told the official club website: "If he gets close to the box, he can turn a game. It’s better that he plays in the area and he feels comfortable, without having to get past three or four defenders.”

Alex Song added: “He’s a humble kind of kid and he is increasing his importance in the group. He’s getting better all the time and the goals are naturally coming along. He’s really happy here and he, like the rest of us, is so looking forward to playing together with Messi again."

Meanwhile, Martino reiterated recent comments about Carles Puyol, insisting rumors about his captain's retirement are false. He added: "Puyol has been training the same way as always. Nobody's told me he's thinking about retiring

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