Neymar leaves training ground early and rejects talk of crisis at Santos | OneFootball

Santos trained on Sunday at CT Rei Pelé before the Copa Sudamericana play-off second leg against Universidad Central (VEN), but Neymar’s brief visit and early exit drew the focus.

According to Diario Do Peixe, No 10 arrived, had coffee, posed for photos and left before the 11.00 session, having played 90 minutes in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Chapecoense, scoring twice.

After that draw there were internal debriefs. As one of the captains, Neymar took part. They were viewed as routine after a poor result, with no unusual rows.

One factor behind his early departure was irritation at a fresh leak involving his name. He felt an internal matter had been exposed and believed his profile was again used to divert attention from other issues at the club.

Hours later he addressed it on Instagram, rejecting talk of a crisis, stressing that internal demands are routine after setbacks and urging people not to spread lies.

He is well regarded by most, though not unanimously, with some unhappy about his demands and tailored routine. Relations with the hierarchy are strained with Management Committee member Daniel Alves and club councillor Marcelo Teixeira Filho, son of president Marcelo Teixeira. Neymar confronted the pair in the dressing room.

Asked to explain Neymar’s absence, the club had yet to comment. With a 4-1 first-leg lead in Venezuela, Santos can lose by up to two goals Tuesday at Vila Belmiro and still reach the last 16 against UCV. Whether the No 10 features remains to be seen.

Source: Diario Do Peixe