Neymar is defiant in the face of criticisms over his style of play, particularly accusations that he oversells contact on fouls.
The Brazilian star was criticized in many quarters for his reaction to being stepped on during his side’s 2-0 victory over Mexico. Neymar didn’t respond directly to the accusations, dismissing them as “an attempt to undermine me.”
“I think it’s more an attempt to undermine me than anything else,” Neymar said, via Jonathan Wilson of the Guardian. “I don’t much care for criticism, not even for praise because this can influence in a way the athlete’s attitude. In the last two matches I didn’t talk to the press because there are too many people talking, getting excited. I don’t know if they’re showing off. I am here to win with my teammates.”
In other words, Neymar thinks the critics are full of nonsense. Ultimately it’s up to the referee to decide what actions are acceptable or not acceptable. The opposing manager isn’t happy about anything that transpired, but Neymar won and he got the decisions as well. Nobody should expect him to apologize.
