MAURICIO POCHETTINO has revealed he is open to allowing Neymar time off to celebrate his sister’s birthday.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward, 28, has infamously missed a number of matches around March 11 – the date of Rafaella Santos’ big day.
Neymar will be allowed to ask for time off to celebrate sister Rafaella’s birthdayCredit: Instagram @neymarjr
The winger even boasts a tattoo of his sibling
In 2019, Neymar was absent that week for the fifth year running.
An ankle injury meant he was free to celebrate with Rafaella and a fractured toe made him available the year earlier.
After helping Barcelona secure a stunning 6-1 Champions League win over PSG on March 8 in 2017, he missed a LaLiga defeat to Deportivo La Coruna four days later with muscle pain.
In 2015 and 2016, he suffered suspensions as fans began to notice the stunning coincidence.
But Pochettino, 48, has claimed that he is willing to negotiate a leave of absence to allow Neymar his family outing.
The PSG coach told Spanish radio show El Larguero: “When the time comes, we’ll see.
After 12 years, I realise that I am more flexible each time and that I like to negotiate everything.
Mauricio Pochettino
“It’s important to be very good at tactics, but management is fundamental.
“When I started coaching, I told myself that I was going to be inflexible and that I would not let anything go.
“But after 12 years, I realise that I am more flexible each time and that I like to negotiate everything.
“Today, the new generation like to give their opinions, to be listened to. Discussion must take precedence.
Mauricio Pochettino has opened the door to talks with NeymarCredit: Reuters
“Nothing is won by imposing things. You have to discuss, negotiate.”
Last season saw Neymar play for PSG against Borussia Dortmund on Rafaella’s birthday – although the onset of the coronavirus pandemic may have impacted his ability to attend celebrations anyway.
And the Champions League should again be the priority in 2021 with the French giants facing Barcelona in the second leg of their last-16 tie on March 10.
Neymar enjoys low-key dinner at home on NYE after claims he flew models in for 500-person bash
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
