Zinho: There is too much pressure on Neymar

Zinho: There is too much pressure on Neymar

The 1994 World Cup-winner Zinho welcomed Brasil Global Tour into his home in Rio to candidly discuss the pressure on Neymar, Brazil’s leading figures ahead of a busy summer of international football soon.

Zinho: There is too much pressure on Neymar

The 48-year-old former Flamengo, Palmeiras, Gremio and Cruzeiro star has earned more than 50 caps over a glittering career and also happened to be one of Carlos Alberto Parreira’s chosen ones, playing each game of the Selecao’s 1994 World Cup-winning campaign, sharing a number of crucial responsibilities with then captain Dunga.

He was a classy, diminutive left-footed playmaker. He used to wear the No.9 in USA but was one of many who had sacrificed the attacking side of their game. It was in order to play a supporting role to the strikers Bebeto and Romario. He worked tirelessly to provide a defensive ground from which the attacking duo could spring forward in style.

A five-time Brazilian league winner, the attacking midfielder still remains an idol. He is with the nation’s most popular club, Flamengo.

According to him, the team is still striving to flawlessly assert itself. The individual footballers are all idols of their respectively club teams in Europe. They are enjoying very successful careers reaping the financial rewards accordingly. Neymar is yet to win a major title with his country, adding to the pressure on Neymar.

“I’m an optimist and I’m being supportive and putting my trust in them. I think what we have to do is form a strong group. Neymar is undoubtedly a very important part of that but he must be just a part – we cannot build everything around just one player. We have to share the responsibility.”, Zinho said.

He also said Neymar should be relieved of some of the baggage thrust upon him. He is the captain. He takes the corners, penalties, everything. People should take some of the weight off the pressure on Neymar.