Neymar agreed Lionel Messi’s absence was felt by Barcelona and that the periodic whistles of the fans was not helpful against Bayer Leverkusen.
Barca beat the Bundesliga side 2-1 but trailed for much of the match, only turning the score around in the last 10 minutes through Sergi Roberto and Luis Suarez.
“Messi is essential and yes, [his absence] showed,” Neymar said, AS reports, after the first game missed by Messi due to his knee injury.
“He’s the best player in the world, creates chances and always when a player of that quality is out we’d suffer.
“I’m happy for the victory. We suffered, suffered a lot to win, but the important thing was to win and we did everything to create goals and we won in the end.
“Yes, it is difficult when the fans are not with us but we know they want more from us. We’re trying to do what we can.
“I did my job. We have to know how to play [without Messi] and to win with him so when he returns we’re in good form.
“Messi [in the locker room] gave us encouragement and congratulated us for changing the game with two goals.
“Leaders? We’re all leaders. I did what I could on the pitch, helping my teammates to create chances.”
