Neymar form: Martino cites transfer row
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BARCELONA boss Gerardo Martino believes star striker Neymar’s inability to live up to high expectations in his first season with the club could be related to the intense scrutiny of his transfer from Santos.
Sandro Rosell resigned as the club’s president in January as he faces legal action for misappropriation of funds, whilst Barcelona was also charged with tax fraud over the deal.
The Brazilian was also sidelined by an ankle injury for a month at the start of the year and Martino thinks that has also played a part in the 22-year-old’s return of just one goal in 2014.
“Returning after a month out injured it is always difficult to get back into rhythm and then the problems with his signing appeared,” he said at a press conference yesterday.
“If I had to choose one reason I would focus on the non-sporting issues.”
Neymar was only one of a number of Barcelona players who were well below par as the Catalans lost 0-1 to Valladolid last weekend.
That defeat left them four points adrift of Real Madrid at the top of the table and Martino admitted the team must beat Osasuna at home today to remain in the title fight before travelling to face Real next weekend.
“Osasuna is a final for us to be able to get to the Madrid game with a chance.
“They have caused problems to everyone, especially against the top three at home. We expect a difficult game and we will have to work hard.”
Gerard Pique has been left out of Martino’s 18-man squad due to a slight ankle injury, but the Argentine insisted it is just a minor problem and the Spanish international should be fit for next weekend.
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