Barcelona Head Coach Luis Enrique not interested in “nonsense” surrounding Neymar substitution

Barcelona Head Coach Luis Enrique has refused to be drawn into the controversy surrounding Neymar’s reaction to being substitution in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. The Brazilian forward was seen looking fairly animated following the decision to replace him with Xavi on 74 minutes, but despite reports of a possible fallout, Enrique […]
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sambafoot_admin
2015-04-12 17:42:00

Barcelona Head Coach Luis Enrique has refused to be drawn into the controversy surrounding Neymar’s reaction to being substitution in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.

The Brazilian forward was seen looking fairly animated following the decision to replace him with Xavi on 74 minutes, but despite reports of a possible fallout, Enrique refused to comment on the issue after the contest. 

"[On Neymar’s apparent disapproval to being substituted], I’m not interested in any of this nonsense," he said, as reported by website Football Espana.

“It’s becoming fashionable to report on these things. I’m only interested in seeing the team win."

Enrique’s frustration would have been compounded by watching his team throw away a 2-0 lead. Goals from Lionel Messi and Neymar had put Barcelona in control, but first Éver Banega and then French forward Kévin Gameiro hit back to secure Sevilla a point.

For Neymar, his goal – a direct strike from a free-kick – was his first in La Liga for Barça since netting in a 5-0 win over Levante in February.

The 23 year-old, who was signed from Santos for a reported fee of €83.5 million in July 2013, had gone five matches without scoring, but has still managed 27 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions so far this season.