Vicente del Bosque blames Neymar for encouraging young players to dive

"Even the children imitate him throwing himself on the pitch"

Vicente del Bosque has launched an attack on Neymar, saying his play-acting is setting a bad example to young players and encouraging them to dive more. As reported in A Bola, the former Spain and Real Madrid boss was asked who would be the better acquisition for Real right now: Neymar or Mbappé? His answer was rather blunt.

"I'll hire Mbappé because it seems a bit more sensible," del Bosque replied. "Neymar, even the children imitate him throwing himself on the pitch."

Vicente del Bosque made 445 appearances for Real Madrid as a player. He was then in charge at the Bernabeu between 1999–2003, following two spells as caretaker.

After a short spell with Beşiktaş, he became manager of the Spanish national side in 2008. He would guide the team to victory in the 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euros.

However, Spain crashed out in the group stages in 2014, and only reached the last 16 in the 2016 Euros. He then announced his retirement on June 30th, 2016.

Reflecting on Madrid's turbulent year, Del Bosque blames their decision to change management twice.

"They've an excellent group but the results didn't come,” said Del Bosque. “Changing a coach twice is one of the worst things that can happen to a club...

Neymar joined PSG from Barcelona in 2017, but rumours about his return to Spain have persisted. Earlier this month, he received a three-match ban following a physical confrontation with a Rennes fan after the French Cup final.