Football

Brazil must stop over reliance on Neymar says Jesus

Striker, Gabriel Jesus has urged his Seleçao teammate to display that  Brazil can win matches without their talismanic star, Neymar.
This was after it was confirmed their the PSG man would miss the 2022 World Cup qualifier against Venezuela.
Neymar has has failed to recover from a groin strain, missing Paris Saint-Germain’s past three matches in all competitions – including a Champions League defeat to RB Leipzig.
Brazil are just as reliant on the 28-year-old as his club, with their remarkable semi-final collapse against Germany at a home World Cup in 2014 coming after he was injured in the last eight.But Tite’s men were also without Neymar for last year’s Copa America, a competition they won, and Jesus does not believe his side can go looking for excuses.
“Obviously we talk about the importance of Neymar with his club and for our team, how much he has given and gives every day,” the Manchester City forward said. “I’m a big fan.
“But when it comes to the national team, everyone has to share the responsibility, it can’t just fall on him. Everyone is here for a reason.
“With Neymar, we were closer to victory, but the Selecao demonstrated that they can play without him.
“We always want him to be available, as he scores, assists. But if he can’t play, while we know his importance, we have to share the responsibility.
“Whoever is here has the quality to make the Selecao win.”
Jesus, who both scored and was sent off in the Copa America final, is determined to play his part, having missed the previous international break through injury.
“Even as a young man, I have a certain history here and I am happy to wear this shirt that I always dreamed of,” he said.
“And whenever there is a call-up, it is the same party as always; I look, I hear my name and I am moved.
“I always want to come and help, and this time I came with 100 per cent focus to be able to help.”


Sammy Wejinya

Recent Posts

Mainz 05 Inspires Youth at Totalsport Safe-Hub in Alexandra

A coaching team from Bundesliga club 1.FSV Mainz 05 visited Totalsport Safe-Hub in Alexandra for…

5 days ago

Spotlight on African basketball talent and milestones as NBA’s 2024/25 season takes off

An NBA season packed with African talent and colourful courts is underway, with games available…

1 week ago

Tsitsikamma and Trail Running – setting the gold standard for inclusive conservation

Victor Mokoena and his team in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park…

2 weeks ago

Xaba and Tola re-write the record books at Sanlam’s Cape Town Marathon

Rising Ethiopian marathon star, Abdisa Tola, and South Africa’s running great, Glenrose ‘Supercharger’ Xaba, created…

3 weeks ago

Collin and Tayla shine on Day One of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon weekend

Zimbabwean Collin Kanyimo and British athlete Catherine Williamson took the trail honours in the 44km…

3 weeks ago

A preview to Cape Town Marathon

Some of the biggest names in marathon running will be in action in the Sanlam…

3 weeks ago