Neymar must mature, says Brazil coach Tite

Brazil coach Tite has urged Neymar to show more maturity after the forward was ruled out of the team's World Cup qualifier against Venezuela on Tuesday due to suspension.

The 24-year-old scored a goal and set up two more as Brazil defeated Bolivia 5-0 here on Thursday, their third straight victory under new coach Tite.

But the Barcelona forward was booked for dissent in the first half, ruling him out of the clash against the Vinotinto in the Andean city of Merida.

"There were mistakes from the referee, with an excess of fouls derived from a lack of punishment to them," Tite said.

"And we, Neymar and me, need maturity to understand that we'll have to bear these kind of situations too."

Neymar has been criticized by sections of the Brazilian media and some fans for recurring ill-discipline. The former Santos prodigy has now been suspended six times in less than two years for the national team.

While admitting Neymar was at fault on Thursday, Tite called on referees to be wary of opposition plans to unsettle the forward.

"What happens sometimes, and it did happen, regarding the card, was in the first place an excessive amount of fouls aimed to emotionally destabilise the squad, to provoke situations," the former Corinthians manager said.

"You can say 'okay, the fouls are from the game and it's the referee's problem.' It's my responsibility as a manager to guide the player."

Chelsea midfielder Willian is expected to regain his starting spot against Venezuela in Neymar's absence.

Brazil are currently second in the South American zone qualifying standings for the 2018 World Cup with 18 points from nine matches, a point behind leaders Uruguay. Endit