Xavi: Neymar needs to have more respect

Posted Saturday, June 13, 2015 by Foxsports.com

Former Barcelona captain Xavi believes that striker Neymar needs to sit down and seriously think about the way he behaves on the pitch.

Xavi's comments come after a number of Athletic Bilbao players were infuriated when Neymar tried a flamboyant piece of skill during their 3-1 loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on May 30.

Xavi pointed out that Neymar's current attitude and mentality will not be tolerated by many of the European teams even though it may get the green light in Brazil.

"He needs to seriously think about how he should act. Maybe that sort of thing is accepted in Brazil, but it's a thorny issue in Spain," Xavi told Sport. "He should reflect about it because he's an extraordinary, hard-working and humble lad, but he has that Brazilian attitude, according to which such things are part of the show, while here they're seen as a lack of respect."

Xavi was also caught berating Neymar on video during Barcelona's open top bus parade on Sunday after they beat Juventus in the Champions League final and completed the treble.

Explaining his actions, the ex-Barcelona midfielder revealed that Neymar had gone over the top while celebrating.

"He was trying to take my shoes off and they were pushing me when I was standing on the edge of the bus," Xavi said. "I told them to stop messing around and to focus on the fans, since the parade is for them.

"It's alright to have three or four beers, but the parade is for the supporters, to thank them, and you can't just be in your own world."