Jrgen Klopp defends Neymar over accusations of World Cup theatrics

Jrgen Klopp has defended Neymars World Cup theatrics as acts of self-preservation from a player who could have led Brazil to victory in Russia had he been 100% fit

Jrgen Klopp has defended Neymars World Cup theatrics as acts of self-preservation from a player who could have led Brazil to victory in Russia had he been 100% fit.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward will be at Anfield on Tuesday when Liverpool launch their Champions League campaign against the French champions in GroupC. The worlds most expensive footballer was widely criticised for play acting at the World Cup but Klopp claims Neymar was singled out by Brazils opponents in Russia and had to protect himself. Liverpool, their manager insists, will not resort to such measures.

Klopp, who hopes Roberto Firmino will have recovered from an eye injury in time to face PSG, said: I dont follow things like that but when I saw a few games at the World Cup I know people were talking about him making more of situations. For me they were completely normal reactions [from Neymar] because players were going for him and he wanted to protect himself. I understand that. I thought it is smart that he saves himself.

We wont go for him like that. We want to play football and we want to win the ball. We will try to avoid passes to him but it is a big job to do. It is impossible to avoid his qualities 100%. He is a fantastic player and at the World Cup he was not 100% fit. Nobody asked him about that but he took responsibility to play for his country while not 100% fit. If Neymar is fit then Brazil wins it.

I dont think he is a person who wants to act like that because you cant play football like he does if you are acting like that. He was rested at the weekend so he will be 100% fresh for us and we will see the full Neymar package.

Firmino sustained an eye injury during Liverpools win at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday and will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness before the game. Dominic Solanke and Divock Origi, two possible replacements, are also carrying slight injuries following their appearances in an Under-23s game against Swansea City.

He couldnt play today, no chance, but we are hoping tomorrow, Klopp said of the Brazilian. It is good news it will be close. It was a big relief for all of us. It is painful and noone needs that but he will be fine we dont know exactly when.

Original Article : HERE ; This post was curated & posted using : RealSpecific

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