Scolari wants Neymar to play against Atlético

The Brazil manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, has denied claims that he asked Barcelona not to play Neymar in Saturday's game to decide the 'La Liga' title. In contrast, he assured that he wants the striker to start the World Cup in full flow.

The manager's position was set out by the Brazilian Football Federation in a statement clarifying that Scolari has said on several occasions that he believes that it is good for the players who he has called up for the World Cup to play their final games in their respective championships in Europe.

"Not only do I want them to play, I want them to be champions. That will increase their morale and self-esteem, which also benefits the Brazil team. It also allows them to remain in full flow," assured Scolari, as quoted in the statement.

The press release was drafted after media reports claimed that the CBF had requested that Neymar not play in the title decider between Barcelona and Atlético Madrid on the final day of the Spanish league season.

"In addition to being incorrect, this information is completely at odds with the direction and thinking of the members of the Brazil team's technical committee," reads the statement.

The request was supposedly designed to avoid Neymar suffering an injury in the game which might jeopardise his involvement at the World Cup.


/Marca/