Neymar reveals he didn't want to come off after PSG hat-trick | OneFootball

Neymar has revealed he did not want to be substituted after scoring a hat-trick to guide PSG to a thumping 6-1 victory over Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League on Wednesday.

After scoring two brilliant free-kicks as part of his trio of strikes, the Brazilian made manager Thomas Tuchel aware he wanted to stay on the pitch but was eventually replaced with eight minutes to go by Julian Draxler after a fine solo performance.

However, admitting there was no issue with being subbed, Neymar said: “I told the coach: ‘Do not take me off!’ I was joking – there is a great affinity between us. We speak often. I always want to play the full 90 minutes, though.

“It was a great game for the team and me,” he added. “We controlled the match, created plenty of chances and the win was important.”

Still with a 100% record in Ligue 1, the champions did lose their opening European fixture away at Liverpool but Neymar insists the team are still finding their groove before they hit top form early next year.

“There is a lot of room for physical and technical improvement, of course, but I have already said that February and March are the aim for that as the most important Champions League and Ligue 1 games are around that time,” he said. “This is the moment when the preparation comes into its own.

“You need to be fresh then, physically, but also mentally — more so than now. I am working on my physical condition and that is what I am striving for in each training session. Come February and March, I will be at 100 percent of my powers.”