The conundrum that is Neymar Jr.’s relationship with his sister Rafaella Santos, no one knows why or how the two are so close but they are and the strange pattern of the Brazilian super star always missing games around March 11th has been tackled ahead of time by Mauricio Pochettino.
During his time at Barcelona, Neymar was suspended in both 2015 and 2016 during March 11th, leaving him free to travel to Brazil to spend time with his sister. This just seems like a happy coincidence, yes?
Neymar got his sister’s face tattooed on his upper arm.
His sister Rafaella then had Neymar’s eyes tattooed on her inner bicep.
The March 11th coincidence then continued with Neymar missing that date professional in 2017,2018 and 2019 all because of ‘injury’.
He was always injured just in time to travel back to Brazil to be at Rafaella’s side for her birthday bash.
Mauricio has now tackled the subject ahead of time to avoid his star player getting an unneeded red card or ankle injury.
He has said he is open to giving the star time off when asked about the subject.
Speaking in an interview with El Larguero, as quoted by Give Me Sport, Poch said
“When the time [March 11] comes, we’ll see.
“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.
“Nothing is won by imposing things. You have to discuss, negotiate.”