Pochettino: What Neymar does isn't provocation, he just loves football

Neymar is injured yet again and some have argued that the Brazilian brings the opposition's tough tackles on himself by provoking rivals, but Mauricio Pochettino has disputed that notion.

The new Paris Saint-Germain coach has defended the forward while speaking about his latest injury.

"Because of his play, Neymar is often the subject of overly strong tackles," Pochettino said during an appearance on Onda Cero's 'El Transistor' programme.

"Maybe referees should apply some common sense and protect him a little more.

"Neymar enjoys having the ball at his feet and he's like that when he plays football, it's not provocation. He's like this in training too.

"What Neymar does isn't provocation, he just loves football."

With the Brazilian set to miss the first leg against Barcelona next week, the PSG coach spoke about that absence.

"Neymar is really sad, as he was motivated to play against Barcelona," the coach said.

"He really likes this competition and his absence is a big loss for us.

"We hope to have Neymar for the second leg, but that will depend on how his injury progresses."

Pochettino also confirmed that he didn't receive any phone call from Barcelona in the summer about becoming the Catalan club's new coach, while he went on to respond to the rumours linking Lionel Messi with a move to the French capital.

"I understand that you should speak as little as possible about a player who isn't in your team," he said.

"But all teams have strategies for signings and there are players who are finishing their current contracts."

Finally, he was asked if there is a clause in his PSG contract that would allow him to leave the Parc des Princes to coach Real Madrid, should that opportunity arise.

"In my contract there is no clause for if Real Madrid call me," he replied.

"I'm happy at PSG and I hope I can stay for many years."