The captain believes the players need to start taking responsibility for the disappointing results of the team this season, which culminated in another defeat on the road in East London. But in spite of the loss, Neves feels the squad has it in them – as well as time on their hands – to turn their season around and achieve what they want from this campaign.
On taking a look at themselves
“We just need to stop talking about performance when you cannot win a game. It’s our responsibility and of course we always try to play our best and do everything we can to win the game, but it’s not enough.
“We need to look inside, we need to look to ourselves and we need to make sure everyone is going on the same path. We know what we want to achieve this season, we still have a chance to do it, as we did at the beginning of the season, but it’s time to look to ourselves and give the next step, because what we are doing is not enough.
“Without the ball is not enough and with the ball, something is missing. We know what it is, but it’s in our hands to work on it.”
On what needs to change
“It’s work. It’s all about us, working during the week, giving 100 per cent in the training sessions. That is the main thing because I know our quality, but in a league like this, it’s not enough.
“I’m experienced enough in the Premier League to know that, and everyone should know that inside the dressing room. If you don’t train as you want to play, you won’t be able to win games on the weekend.
“That’s what we need to do; train hard, focus on what we are doing, give 100 per cent for the team and we go again. The good thing is that we still have time to change this and that’s all we want as a club.”
On giving more as a group
“It’s not an issue, but I think everyone can give a little bit more – starting with me. Of course, we know we are not in a good position, we are not in a good form, so something needs to change. If we need to change something, it starts in the training sessions. Giving 100 per cent of us for the club.
“The people don’t deserve to see what we are doing at the moment, and it’s our responsibility. We are in the beginning, I’m sure we will do well this season. I’m 100 per cent sure of that, but now it’s time to change.”
On taking responsibility
“We showed before the way we want to play and, like I said, it’s not the manager’s responsibility, it’s starting up there with the board, then the manager and mainly the players. We are the ones who are on the pitch, we are the ones who can get results.
“We have all the information possible before the matches, so it’s about us, it’s not about anyone else. Of course, we struggled a little bit in the beginning, a lot of new players, a lot of players going out, but no more excuses now.
“It’s about us, it’s about the team, it’s about the dressing room. It’s not about the coach or the board anymore, it’s about us. We need to change this and it’s our responsibility.”
