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Mauricio Pochettino Will Discuss Possible Leave Of Absence For Neymar For Sister's Birthday

Mauricio Pochettino Will Discuss Possible Leave Of Absence For Neymar For Sister's Birthday

It wouldn't be the first time Neymar has missed a game in March but it would be the first time it was with permission.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Mauricio Pochettino hasn't ruled out the possibility of Neymar being given an extended leave of absence in March, when it's his sister's birthday.

It's become a bit of a sensation that Neymar always seems to be missing from action for PSG, and previously Barcelona, around March 11th.

That's when Rafaella Santos, his younger sibling, celebrates her birthday and somehow the 28-year-old always seems to be available to celebrate.

There's still about six weeks until the Brazilian has to worry about how to be out of action but he may not have to worry this year, with new PSG boss Pochettino revealing he'd consider letting the player have some time off.

"When the time comes, we'll see," the former Spurs manager told El Larguero when talking about negotiating some time off.

"It's important to be very good at tactics, but management is fundamental.

"When I started coaching, I told myself that I was going to be inflexible and that I would not let anything go.

"But after 12 years, I realise that I am more flexible each time and that I like to negotiate everything.

"Today, the new generation like to give their opinions, to be listened to. Discussion must take precedence.

"Nothing is won by imposing things. You have to discuss, negotiate."

The 'curse of Neymar's sister's birthday' started in 2015, when the former Santos player was still playing for Barca.

He picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Granada on February 28th, meaning he would be out for the March 8th game against Rayo Vallecano, he was allowed to go home and returned before the next game on March 14th.

In 2016 he was again suspended, missing a game on March 6th after getting permission from the manager, as well as the club captains.

Neymar was key in the famous game in 2017 but was then injured just days later. Image : PA Images
Neymar was key in the famous game in 2017 but was then injured just days later. Image : PA Images

Neymar had the game of his life in 2017 to help Barca beat PSG 6-1 in the Champions League and complete an incredible comeback from the first leg, only to have muscle pain and miss the game against Deportivo La Coruna just days later.

He missed another game in 2018 through injury, whilst 2019 did see him miss a good chunk of the second half of the season through injury, the first time it was a long term absence.

Last year Neymar actually scored against Borussia Dortmund on his sister's birthday and PSG didn't play another game until July after that, proving he shouldn't have gone against the curse!

This year the Ligue 1 champions are due to take on his former side Barca on March 10th, before facing Nantes four days later, don't bet on him playing against the French side!

Featured Image Credit: PA/Instagram

Topics: Football News, Ligue 1, PSG, Neymar, Mauricio Pochettino, French football, Champions League, France