Finding the team’s balance is one of Dorival Junior’s priorities in the continuation of his work as the Brazilian National Team coach. He saw many merits of the National Team in the two friendlies in the USA (3-2 against Mexico last Saturday and 1-1 against the United States on Wednesday night). He also recognized that adjustments are necessary.
Dorival highlighted the relevance of these friendlies, preparatory for the Copa América, and said his team is still far from what he envisages.
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“These were two important games for us. It is natural that we are still far from what we want. For me, football starts from a balance and you have to be effective. Without possession, you need to be a little more attentive and with the compartments closer together. It has been improving, we are evolving in aspects,” he said in a press conference at the Camping World.
The coach also mentioned the reduced dimensions of the pitches that will host the Copa América games as an additional factor of attention for the National Team.
“The field is a little smaller and we are seeking a quick adaptation. Certainly, we will face teams that will close up like the USA and we need greater mobility, a more dynamic exchange of passes and with greater speed.”
Dorival said he was satisfied with the decision to rotate the team in the friendlies against Mexico and the United States and stated that this encourages a healthy competition for spots on the team.
“It was more than necessary to provide opportunities for practically all the athletes. There will be a healthy competition within a group that is forming and getting to know each other,” he declared.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Watch the full series, available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel.
