Neymar: "I want to score against Ajax and in the clásico"

Neymar was asked today whether he would prefer to score against Ajax in the Champions League or against Real Madrid in Saturday’s clásico. But why choose? He wants to score in both games. And with the Brazilian firing in goals from all angles this season, there is no reason to believe that that won’t be the case.

Speaking at his Monday lunchtime press conference, he preferred to skip around questions regarding the trip to the Santiago Bernabéu, correctly insisting that all that should matter for now is Ajax at the Camp Nou on Tuesday. “It is a very important game because we need to win” he stressed. “At FC Barcelona we always play to win. But Ajax are a very well organised team both in attack and defence. They’re dangerous all over the place. We will have to do things very well to win. And only after that will our minds turn to Madrid".

I have adapted to the team better. I feel more at home. And I’m very happy at this club

Neymar has scored eight goals in La Liga and one in the Champions League this season, a considerable improvement on his return at this stage of his first season at the club. He’s also providing assists, to the extent that he has been involved in the vast majority of Barça’s goals in the ten games he has started. “I don’t know what’s changed, but I feel better now” he said when asked to explain this turn for the better. “I have adapted to the team more. I feel more at home. And I’m very happy at this club. Very happy.”

Neymar also seems to have developed a wonderful understanding with strike partner Leo Messi. "It’s incredible to play with him” he commented. “I think he’s the best player I have ever seen play” And from next week, Luis Suárez will be added to the mix. "With Suárez, I think we’ll be able to do even more for the team” said the Brazilian. “He always seems to play for the good of the team and every player. We are really looking forward to him playing with us.”