Neymar could quit Brazil national side over lack of respect, coach Rogerio Micale warns after fierce criticism of poor Olympic Games displays

Neymar could quit international football with Brazil if the country's fans fail to show him respect, coach Rogerio Micale has suggested.

The Selecao are struggling on home soil at the Olympic Games at present, with two draws against South Africa and Iraq leaving the five-time world champions at risk of a shock early exit.

Barcelona forward Neymar bore the brunt of the supporters' criticism after his side's two goalless stalemates but Micale warned that the fans could end up driving their star player away from the national setup.



Neymar has been far from his best during Brazil's two goalless draws at the Olympics



Brazil coach Rogerio Micale says the fans need to show their star player some respect


Micale and Neymar are pictured in conversation in training ahead of the clash with Denmark

'Neymar will one day become the best player in the world and we need to respect him,' he said.

'He is young and I know that sometimes he behaves in a way we might not agree with, but at his age wouldn't we do the same things he does, having everything he has?
'If we don't respect our best players they might not want to be with us any more.'

Rogerio stressed Neymar's relative youthfulness and lack of experience, despite the fact the 24-year-old has scoring 46 goals in 70 appearances for his country.


The host nation must win against the Danes to guarantee progression into the quarter-finals

Neymar has cut a frustrated figure during his side's draws with South Africa and Iraq

'Neymar is just 24 and hasn't fully matured,' he said.

'Generally, a player reaches his peak at 28, both physically and mentally, and he has had to deal with the pressure of being a leader since he was 17 years old.

Brazil complete their group-stage action at the Olympics on Wednesday when they take on Denmark at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador.

Defeat will eliminate the hosts from the tournament while even a draw might not be enough to guarantee progression to the quarter-finals.

Micale addresses his players during a training session at the Olympic Games