Brazil forward Neymar has praised coach Felipe Scolari’s decision to hire a psychologist to help the team keep their emotions in check during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Faced with great pressure to win the competition for a record sixth time in front of their own fans this summer, some Brazilian players have been reduced to tears during the national anthem before games.

Some of them also appeared emotional after the World Cup host’s tense penalty shootout victory over Chile in the last-16 tie in Belo Horizonte.

These reactions led to Brazil’s technical director and 1970 World Cup-winner, Carlos Alberto Parreira, criticise the team for allowing their feelings to take over, and Scolari, swiftly reacted by hiring psychologist Regina Brandao to work with the players, a move praised by Neymar who has a lot on his shoulder as Brazil’s golden boy.

The Barcelona forward admits that the Selecao players are enjoying the alternative mental approach on offer in camp as they cope with the pressure of expectation as the host nation

“I had never done anything like it before and I am quite enjoying it,” the Barcelona star said.

“It is not only us in football, who are surrounded by emotions every day and need psychologists. I think it could do every person good, to make one more relaxed.

“We have a very good relationship with Regina Brandao. She is a great person. I am learning a lot and I hope to continue doing it.”

Brazil will be hoping to progress to the semi-finals of the World Cup when they play Colombia in their quarter-final clash in Fortaleza on Friday.