Neymar has backed Santos to succeed in his absence during the Olympic Games, believing that the club"s latest generation of young talent can come to the fore.
Neymar, 20, is just one of several top players Santos have produced in recent years, but is already, perhaps, the biggest of them all.
With himself, Ganso and Rafael at the Olympic Games for a month starting near the end of July, the club will have to look at the likes of Felipe Anderson (19), Victor Andrade (16) and Geuvânio (20) to restore them to winning ways.
“It was the same for me. There were no forwards available and it went well," Neymar told Globo Esporte.
“In time we will see [if it succeeds], you have to take responsibility. They have to gamble, it is their chance to stand out and launch themselves in Brazilian football. I am always helping and cheering for them."
With the Copa Libertadores having taken priority, Santos have struggled at the start of this season and find themselves 18th in the Campeonato.
Neymar, though, is not worried by the team"s poor start to the league campaign, adding: “I am very happy to go to the national team, but sad to leave Santos. I always want to help.
“I will have to hope that the team gets back to winning ways and challenge for the title. I am sure that the team has the quality to turn it around."
