Enrique backs Neymar to keep his cool for derby
BARCELONA:Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said he trusted Neymar to resist being provoked by any aggressive treatment meted out by Espanyol in Saturday’s derby, as the Brazilian forward returns to action after a threegame ban.
Neymar was suspended for applauding an assistant referee after being sent off in the 2-0 defeat to Malaga on April 9.
Recent Barcelona derbies have been characterised by meaty challenges from Espanyol on their rivals, with Neymar being their main target.
Espanyol will be keen to derail Barca’s title bid on Saturday, but the coach believes the Brazilian will cope with the attention.
“He is a specialist in dealing with these situations, if there is any player who knows how to accept being fouled, it is Neymar,” Luis Enrique told a news conference on Friday.
“Despite everything, he has been sent off very few times. He is ready to play and he will be vital for us.”
The champions have coped well without the Brazilian, scoring 13 goals in the three games while he was suspended, although his strike partner Luis Suarez has come in for criticism for failing to find the net in his
last five games.
TV TIMINGS
Real Madrid v Valencia, live on Ten 3, 7:45pm.
Las Palmas v Atletico Madrid, live on Ten 1 & 1HD & Sony Six & HD, 10:00pm;
Espanyol v Barcelona, live on Ten 1 & 1HD & Sony Six & HD, 12:15am (Sun).