Brazil coach Tite insists Neymar should be praised for his on-field attitude, despite the star striker inviting criticism for his antics during the World Cup.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was on the receiving end of some rough treatment at times during the tournament in Russia, where the Selecao lost 2-1 to Belgium in the quarter-finals.
Yet while Neymar certainly had cause for complaint, the 26-year-old risked undermining his position through some theatrical behaviour that was widely mocked by many supporters.
Tite, though, addressing a news conference after naming his squad for the friendlies against United States and El Salvador, defended the actions of his prized asset.