Neymar confirmed reports of a dressing room altercation with Luis Campos after Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-1 defeat at Monaco on Saturday, but insisted the pair’s “little discussion” is “part of the process of getting better”.
Neymar also compared his relationship with PSG’s sporting director to that “with his girlfriend”.
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French newspaper L’Equipe on Monday reported that Neymar reprimanded team-mates Vitinha and Hugo Ekitike for failing to pass him the ball during the Ligue 1 defeat.
The media outlet also claimed Campos — unhappy with the team’s ‘lack of competitiveness’ — then exchanged heated words with Neymar and PSG captain Marquinhos.
Sources close to the dressing room later confirmed the report to The Athletic.
Speaking ahead of PSG’s Champions League tie with Bayern Munich, Neymar acknowledged the disputes but insisted they had been blown out of proportion by the French media.
Neymar said: “It happened, a little discussion, we weren’t in agreement. It’s part of football. Things happen every day. But I love them all.
“It’s like with my girlfriend. Football isn’t just love and friendship. There is respect, but there have to be disagreements and discussions sometimes are needed to help you improve.
“We are not used to losing, so of course when we lose matches, that can disturb us. But it’s part of the process of getting better.”
Neymar also paid tribute to the Czech Republic Jakub Jankto who came out as gay on Monday.
Jankto, who plays for Sparta Prague on loan from Getafe, said he “no longer wants to hide” as he became the first current international in men’s football to come out.
Neymar said: “It is an important day. Everyone is free.“There shouldn’t be so much prejudices. Everyone should be free. I was unaware, but every human being should be free to be whatever they want.”
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