Coach who called Neymar a monster backs him in penalty row: he’s just trying to be like Messi!

The PSG star argued with Edinson Cavani over set-piece duties, and has now been backed by a coach who previously labelled him a "monster"

The manager who called Neymar a “monster” during his time in Brazil has backed him in his penalty row with Edinson Cavani.

The two PSG stars initially clashed over a second-half free-kick, with Cavani wishing to take the set play. Dani Alves, however, snatched the ball away and gave it to his Brazil team-mate.

And, later in the game, Cavani insisted on taking a penalty, which was saved, to the chagrin of Neymar, and reports claimed that the pair had to be separated in the dressing room.

A similar situation arose in 2010 with Neymar at Santos. The winger had won a penalty against Atletico Goianiense after some skilful play and demanded to take the spot-kick, only for coach Dorival Junior to tell him that he wanted a more experienced player to take it.

Neymar shrugged, dropped the ball to the floor, walked away — and sulked. The penalty was duly converted, but Neymar hadn't even bothered to look. He launched a water bottle into the air and, with it, a tirade of abuse towards his coach. He then refused to pass to his team-mates for the rest of the afternoon. All of them tried to talk him around; none succeeded.

Goianiense manager Simoes said after the game that "we’re creating a monster in Brazilian football", but he has now come out in defence of Neymar’s actions.

"I believe someone promised him that he could be the best in the world [with PSG]," he told Goal. "And the best in the world does the same as Cristiano Ronaldo: from the corner kick to the header, penalty, free-kicks... everything. The same happens with Messi. I believe they promised him to be responsible for everything."

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