'I've said it 300 times!' - Neymar snaps at reporter's question after ineffective display for Santos in chastening defeat to 'superior' Mirassol

Neymar started for the second time in four days but couldn’t prevent Santos from suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat away to Mirassol. After the game, he responded angrily to another question about his fitness, having played the full 90 minutes for the second game running after Santos' 1-0 win against Flamengo earlier in the week. Santos were second-best throughout the match against Mirassol, and Neymar was frustrated that they failed to build some proper momentum.

When questioned about his fitness by a reporter, Neymar snapped and said: "This again? I’ve said it 300 times."

Neymar added on Santos' latest performance: "Everything was missing, that's why the score was 3-0. We didn't even play half the game we did against Flamengo in marking. In the game against Flamengo, they were superior in possession, and today Mirassol was the same; they were superior in every aspect."

Neymar’s return to Santos on a short-term deal in January brought excitement, but results have been inconsistent. Despite his legendary status and early impact, the team sits on 14 points from 14 games and remain in the relegation zone. While Neymar has penned a new contract until December, his comeback hasn't yet lifted the club as hoped.

Santos must regroup quickly if they’re to avoid falling deeper into relegation danger. Neymar, who has 141 goals and 69 assists across his two spells with the club, will be expected to lead by example both on and off the pitch. With fixtures coming thick and fast, consistency is now critical to their survival hopes in the Brazilian Serie A.