Tata Martino has admitted he is concerned by Neymar’s form as his Barcelona team prepare to face Osasuna at the Nou Camp on Sunday.
The Brazilian winger has struggled to impress since returning to action following an ankle injury in mid-February, scoring just one goal in six appearances which have been largely notable for a tendency to lose possession with frustrating ease.
Although he did manage to score a hat-trick for Brazil in their recent friendly international victory over South Africa, Neymar’s domestic form has probably been at its lowest ebb since his controversial move to the Nou Camp from Santos last summer.
And Martino believes the huge amount of fuss resulting from his now-infamous transfer – which led to Barca president Sandro Rosell resigning and the club being charged with tax evasion – has impacted negatively upon the 22-year-old’s performances.
“Coming back from a month out it’s always hard to get your rhythm back, and then all the difficulties with his signing came up,” said Martino.
“If I had to identify a reason [for his poor form] I’d say it was the things that have been happening off the pitch.”
Martino denied, however, that a lack of positional consistency has hindered the Brazilian, who has been asked to play on both flanks and through the centre of attack in recent weeks.
“His position on the pitch hasn’t changed much,” said Martino. “As a left winger or centre forward his performances have been good, and against Manchester City on Wednesday he played out right and was very good.”
