Neymar slammed by former Brazil, Santos coach: ‘Now that he’s a millionaire, he thinks he’s above the legislation’

As Neymar slowly works his manner again to full kind in hopes of returning to the Brazil nationwide crew forward of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he stays the topic of criticism—most just lately from a widely known former coach of each the Seleção and Santos.

Throughout a current look on the podcast De Jogador pra Jogador, Vanderlei Luxemburgo had sturdy phrases for the ahead over a few of his current conduct. “Neymar has an ego a lot larger than himself. As of late, Neymar doesn’t settle for criticism from anybody. He doesn’t wish to be criticized,” the coach started.

“He assaults and lashes out as a substitute of understanding criticism, which is inevitable. Now that he’s a millionaire, he thinks he’s above the legislation and gained’t settle for being criticized,” Luxemburgo added. “Neymar has an inflated ego that’s hurting him.”

These remarks from Vanderlei come simply days after Ney stirred controversy when requested about his need to return to the Brazil nationwide crew after a two-year absence. “I’m obtainable. No matter something, I’m an athlete, I nonetheless really feel good, so it’s as much as them,” he mentioned, earlier than including: “I don’t need to show something to anybody.”

Vanderlei Luxemburgo gestures throughout his final stint as head coach of Corinthians on September 26, 2023.

Relating to the criticism Neymar has obtained from the media and followers, Vanderlei Luxemburgo supplied some recommendation on how he ought to reply. “The press can have opinions and criticize, and he ought to flip that into motivation—channel it into anger,” mentioned the coach. “He ought to take the criticism and switch the destructive into one thing optimistic, use it as a weapon in his favor.”

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Luxemburgo on Brazil’s World Cup possibilities with Neymar

In the identical dialog, Vanderlei Luxemburgo addressed Brazil’s present struggles as they seek for a robust id beneath new head coach Carlo Ancelotti following years of disappointing performances and outcomes.

“I don’t see Brazil successful until they alter their total soccer construction. We had Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Ronaldo. These 5 may resolve a World Cup, and even then it was onerous to win,” recalled Luxemburgo, who coached Brazil from 1998 to 2000.

“Now, who in Brazil can resolve a World Cup right this moment? The one one who may assistance is Neymar—if he focuses on being a world-class participant,” Vanderlei emphasised, displaying his appreciation for the ahead regardless of his criticism. “At 50%, he nonetheless performs higher than any of them. However he must be in good bodily situation.”

Who’s Vanderlei Luxemburgo?

Luxemburgo’s feedback carry weight on account of his lengthy and achieved profession as a supervisor. He started teaching in 1983 and located success with golf equipment like Palmeiras, Santos, Corinthians, and Cruzeiro. He gained the 1999 Copa America with Brazil, main a squad that featured stars like Ronaldo Nazario, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos, Cafu, and Ronaldinho.

Vanderlei additionally coached Actual Madrid from 2004 to 2005, although he did not win a trophy throughout his time in Spain. His final stint as a supervisor got here in 2023, when he led Corinthians for 38 matches, ending with only a 36.8% win fee.