'They lack more ear than mouth' – Neymar criticises young PSG team-mates

Neymar was a frustrated figure following Paris Saint-Germain's shock Coupe de France final loss to Rennes.

Published : Apr 28, 2019 12:15 IST

PSG players react to the penalty shoot-out defeat.

Neymar urged his younger team-mates to listen to the experienced members of the Paris Saint-Germain squad as the superstar voiced his displeasure after a forgettable night in the Coupe de France final.

Rennes won the Coupe de France 6-5 on penalties following a 2-2 draw on Saturday – Ligue 1 champion PSG squandering a two-goal lead in Paris.

Neymar made his first start since January after a serious foot injury and doubled PSG's lead in the 21st minute, adding to Dani Alves' opener.

READ | Neymar appears to strike fan after Coupe de France nightmare

But PSG capitulated – just like it did in the Champions League last 16 against Manchester United – as Rennes left the French capital with the trophy.

And Neymar, who cut a frustrated figure post-match having appeared to strike a fan as PSG went to collect their runners-up medal, hit out at some of his team-mates.

"We need to be more like men in the dressing room, we must be more united," Neymar told reporters in the mixed zone.

"I see a lot of young players who are, not lost exactly, but they lack more ear than mouth.

"They must listen more than they talk. Sometimes a more experienced guy speaks, and they answer back. The coach (Thomas Tuchel) himself speaks, and they retort. This is not how a team goes far.

"We are more experienced, so they must respect us a bit more, listen a bit more. I had to do the same when I was starting out."

PSG was also sensationally upstaged by Guingamp in the Coupe de la Ligue quarterfinals in January – ending its run of five successive titles.