Menezes admits Neymar is struggling for form

29/07/2012 5:25:00 AM

The Selecao boss acknowledges the forward's recent drop in performance levels, but nevertheless expects him to regain his goalscoring touch before the end of the Olympics

Brazil coach Mano Menezes has admitted that Neymar is finding it tough to maintain the high standards placed upon him.

The 20-year-old has come under scrutiny from various quarters back home for his tendency to dip in and out of form, with his displays for the Selecao especially coming under the microscope.

However, he netted in his country's 3-2 victory over Egypt in the Olympics earlier in the week to allay some of the pressure heaped on his shoulders, and Menezes is aware of the pitfalls that face the starlet.

"[Neymar's] critics are natural due to the great form he has enjoyed in recent months and even years," Menezes said at a press conference.

"Criticism appears when your performance levels drop below the expectations that you created.

However, Menezes is optimistic in his charge's ability to shake off the criticism levelled in his direction, but wants the forward to use his goal on Thursday as a platform for the rest of the tournament.

"He must learn to live with [the criticism]," continued the boss. "He needs to do everything he can to return to the important player that we need to help us in these Olympics."

Next up for Brazil in the Olympics group stage is Belarus on Sunday.

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