mast media

NEYMAR HAS PLAYED BETTER GAME- TATA

The Brazil international scored one goal and set up another but his coach is in no doubt that there is still room for improvement as far as the 21-year-old attacker is concerned

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino says that there is even more to come from Neymar after the forward starred in Saturday's 2-1 win over Real Madrid.

The Brazil international produced a pivotal performance at Camp Nou, firing the hosts into a first-half lead before popping up with the assist for Alexis Sanchez's strike.

But while acknowledging the significance of Neymar's contribution, Martino argued that the 21-year-old still has more to give.

"Neymar played a great game but I've seen him play better," the Blaugrana boss told reporters. "His goal in the Clasico has much more significance, but I've seen better games from him."

Meanwhile, Martino admitted that he is delighted that Alexis is finally getting the recognition he feels that the Chilean winger deserves.

"He has been playing well since the end of last season and if people recognise it, so much the better," he enthused.

"Alexis has very high self-esteem and he is ready for any situation. In Glasgow [against Celtic in the Champions League] he was instrumental off the bench and today was the same."

The Spanish champions were on the back foot for much of the second period, with Martino blaming fatigue for their more subdued showing after the break.

"We toiled in the first half and so it showed in the second," the 50-year-old continued. "We suffered from fatigue without the ball.

"I wanted to win, not to come out with the stronger performance, so I made a defensive switch [replacing Andres Iniesta with Alex Song]. If I had to, I would do it again.

"It's hard to remain unbeaten, but these players are capable of it. If a title had been on the table today, I would be celebrating, but it was just a game.

"My impact on the team is still minimal. I still need to get more involved."

The Argentine was appointed in Tito Vilanova's stead in the summer, and has quickly led Barcelona to the summit of La Liga with nine wins from 10 games.