Brazil and PSG forward Neymar has hit at critics of him following Paris Saint-Germain’s hard fought 2-1 win over French champions Lille in Ligue 1 on Friday, 29 October.
The Brazilian had a disappointing first half at Pac des Princes in the PSG’s come-from-behind win, playing a key role in the second half including providing the assist for Angel Di Maria’s 88th-minute winner to seal all the three points.
Neymar assisted Angel Di Maria with the winning goal against Lille on Friday 29, but questions have arisen over his goal drought for PSG. | PHOTO: Getty Images |
Neymar has not scored for PSG since netting from the penalty spot in a 2-1 win over Olympique Lyon on September 20, his only club goal of the 2021-22 season, prompting some criticism from pundits and fans. The Brazilian’s last goal came on October 15 when Brazil defeated Uruguay 4-1 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Since then, Neymar is yet to score.
“The critics are normal. I’ve been playing football for 15 years, I don’t care,” Neymar told the press after the game.
“The most important critic is me. I know what I’m doing on the field for my team.
“Out there they don’t know what’s going on, what we’re doing. And I don’t care, I’ll continue.”
The chemistry between Neymar alongside new signing Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe has been questioned this term for PSG as the trio are yet to find their goal-scoring routine. Notably, Messi is yet to score a single Ligue 1 goal and all of his three goals for PSG have come in the Champions League, with his maiden a staggering one against Manchester City and then a brace over RB Leipzig.
PSG forward Neymar has managed only one goal for PSG so far this campaign which is worse than his usual goal records raising criticism. | PHOTO: Ligue 1 Uber Eats |
The Parisiens are top of Ligue 1 by 10 points, having dropped points only twice in 12 games, but expectations were for a more dominant forward line with Messi’s arrival.
Neymar has started six times for PSG since scoring against Lyon, providing three assists during that goalless run.
“It was a very difficult match,” Neymar about the Lille win. “They’re a good opposition. We fought to the end, we scored.”
PSG will be in action again on Wednesday when they take on Bundesliga side RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig in a bid to seal their qualification to the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, a competition the club is yet to win.
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