Despite being the most talented Brazilian footballer of his generation, Neymar has often been criticized for his behavior off the field. Speaking to the Portuguese press before returning to Saudi Arabia, Jorge Jesus compared the Al-Hilal star and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has more passion for football and, therefore, knows the priority. Neymar has more passion for other things. He puts those other things from his private life first. But as a player, he is fabulous, and as a man, I had a month and a half with him, and he positively surprised me in everything,” the Al-Hilal coach said, via Globo Esporte.
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Jorge Jesus also praises Neymar, with an observation
Despite the surprising comparison, Jesus did not attempt to attack his player. Due to Neymar’s injury in November, the Portuguese manager could not count on the Brazilian for many games, but in the short time they have been together, Neymar has already made a good impression on Jesus.
🗣️ Jorge Jesus, Neymar's coach at Al Hilal:
“Neymar is the opposite of Ronaldo. Ronaldo has more passion for football and he makes it his priority.
Neymar has more passion for other things linked to his private life, which he puts first.”
(Source: @nicolas_vilas ) pic.twitter.com/Ffua7KlifM
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 15, 2024
“I had never worked with Neymar. We worked for a month and a half, no more. He is something out of the ordinary, exceptional. And, therefore, we lost quality, at least in the offensive aspect. He is an easy guy to lead, very sweet and understanding,” Jesus said, before emphasizing the difference he notices with Ronaldo. “Now, life beyond football is also in his own way. I think he is the opposite of Cristiano Ronaldo.”
