were united in their condemnation of the Brazilian,
while both believe Lionel Messi was the decisive
factor
Barcelona star Neymar has been criticised by
Athletic Bilbao captain Andoni Iraola for his
showboating towards the end of the Copa del Rey
final.
The Catalans won the match 3-1 to complete the
second leg of a potential treble, yet the Brazil
striker was slammed by the opposition’s right-
back for lacking respect in his actions towards the
end of the match, something he failed to see the
logic in.
“I don't think it was at all classy and it isn't
sporting,” he said. “Neymar has examples in his
own side that he should look to because they have
a great deal to teach him.”
Head coach Ernesto Valverde concurred, stating:
“Sometimes he could avoid some of his conduct in
games that are already decided.”
The fixture is likely to be remembered for Lionel
Messi’s contribution as the Argentine scored twice
- including a memorable solo goal - to sandwich
an effort from Neymar, and Iraola believes the
influence of the 27-year-old was decisive.
“We were competitive but we needed to hit the
target and Messi turned the match on its head,” he
explained. “There is a reason he's the best player
in the world and he made the difference. The third
goal was vital and our reply came too late.”
Valverde, meanwhile, had warned that the
Argentine might prove impossible to resist prior to
the game and his fears were realised.
“Messi is the best player in the world and he has
shown it once again. We tried to stop him however
we could but it wasn't to be,” he admitted.
Athletic were chasing their first Copa crown since
1983-84, since which they have reached the final
four times only to lose to Barca on three
occasions.
No comments:
Post a Comment