Rio 2016: Neymar says it's time to go hunting for victories
In his first press conference as a striker on Brazil's Olympic football squad, Neymar seemed in good spirits and said that, after the country's defeats in the 2014 World Cup, the 2015 Copa América, and this year's Centennial Cup America, now is the time to aim for a victory.
“The past is in the past. It's no use crying over spilt milk. We have to start changing now. If things weren't so good in previous competitions, this time we have to do our best to make it work. We have to start changing everything we did wrong right now, finding things that haven't worked and fix them. We have to focus on replacing the computer chip of defeats with that of victories,” Neymar said.
Neymar is one of the three players older than 23 (he's 24) recruited by coach Rogério Micale in the pursuit of the first gold medal for Brazil in the Rio Olympic Games. The Brazilian squad is to make its debut on August 4, in Brasília, a day before the opening ceremony, in Rio de Janeiro.
The Barcelona star went on to disclose that he has sought to get closer to his companions so they too can feel at ease, even though he is seen as an idol by many: “I've been in their position before—the position of a beginner on the same team as a star. Playing the role of an idol is a huge honor, a great source of pride.”
The striker, who played as the country's captain in the national team under former coach Dunga, is not worried about keeping his position. He maintains it is a decision for coach Micale alone to make, and he views the role rather as a symbolic position, as any athlete can show their opinion and help the team with remarks, both on and off the field: “Everybody has their role and is aware of their importance on the field.”
During the interview, Neymar described as “malicious” a question about his commitment to the team. He responded by saying that demands directed at him should be based on his job on the field.
“I've got a family, and friends too, so why can't I go and party? I can and I will, no matter what. If I'm aware of my responsibility the next day, I can't see why not. It's my private life,” he argued.
On the problems faced by some of the delegations upon arrival in the Athletes' Village apartments: “If that's really true, as they're saying it is, we're sorry, because we did have a lot of time to get ready,” he said.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: Rio 2016: Neymar says it's time to go hunting for victories
