Neymar confirms PSG dressing room clash after Monaco defeat
By Tom Gott
Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar has admitted he had a heated exchange with club advisor Luis Campos in the aftermath of the recent 3-1 defeat to Monaco.
Recent reports in France alleged that Campos entered the dressing room after the shock defeat and accused some players of lacking the required aggression and mindset to play for the club, prompting a frustrated response from Neymar and fellow Brazilian Marquinhos, who made their feelings known.
Asked about the story, Neymar happily confirmed the reports and vowed to flush out which figure in the dressing room has been leaking stories to the media.
"It has happened," he told a press conference. "We didn't agree with what was being said at that time, so we had a discussion about it. I speak to my friends every day, and I love all of them. It is like that with my girlfriend as well.
"We talk about football, all of us. Football is about communicating. Of course, there is respect on both sides, and sometimes you don't agree on things. So there might be a discussion to improve the team, the atmosphere, our play.
"We have lost a few games and we are frustrated about that. We want to win all the time. When those defeats come around, it hurts, so discussions are part of that. That can help us improve as a team. I think it has helped because we cleared things up. We know what we are all thinking.
"In terms of blocking things like that in the dressing-room, sometimes there are things that get into the press, and they can go viral very quickly. When there is information like that, we are angry. It is my sixth season here at PSG and it is difficult. Sometimes things have come out at important moments, like before a final. But I don't know what was going on.
"As a player and a teammate here, that doesn't just affect me, it affects everyone and the coach. We have to work out what is happening. Things in the dressing-room shouldn't come out. That is sad. There are things that need to be resolved internally and not out on the street.
"You do that with your friends and family, and teammates. You are with everyone from day to day. We have to stay together, so it's annoying those things come out. I am sure there will be more in the future. That is all part of football."
Neymar also took the opportunity to defend his performances amid further reports in France that have claimed his time at PSG could be coming to an end in the summer.
"I feel good," he said. "There have been certain games that have not gone well but I always tried to do everything I can. I have been a professional for 15 years now, I know how it works. Situations happen and criticism is valid. Everyone has an opinion. I respect that.
"But I will play the game the way I know, giving everything for the team. I will keep doing that."