"Neymar isn't Pele"

Posted Wednesday, October 23, 2013 by Marca.com

César Luis Menotti celebrated his 75th birthday and Radio MARCA was able to congratulate him live on air. A living legend in the Argentinian footballing world, 'El Flaco', as he's affectionately known, happily answered every question that came his way, covering Neymar, Messi, Simeone, Bale, the 2014 World Cup...

"Argentina can win the World Cup. There's a chance because when you have Messi there's always a chance". Lifting the 1978 World Cup as Argentina manager he says that "as well as Messi, who is the best in the world, the country has several top class players, like Agüero, Di María or Higuaín. A philosophy needs to be built around them".

On the subject of Neymar, Menotti says: "He still doesn't control the whole width of the pitch to be really dominant, just out on the left. I don't see him as pulling the strings, he isn't Pele, or Zico, or even that type of player. He's more of a winger".

Another player Menotti talked about is Gareth Bale: "I hadn't seen much of him until he arrived at Real Madrid. He has incredible power and he's a real battering ram in the box. He'll need to prove his worth".

Discussing a manager he knows well, Diego Simeone, Menotti explained: "He's a young coach, but it's a calling for him. He'll need to learn and keep gaining experience. He's had triumphs and disappointments".

Touching on the impending Barça-Real, he pointed out: "You need to play to win in a 'Clásico'. They're special games and there's no favourite. Real Madrid is developing a style and needs to continue working on it".