Forward Pepê is betting on his versatility to help the Brazilian National Team in the Copa América. The Porto player gave a press conference on Thursday (6) before Brazil’s training session in Orlando, Florida.
Revealed by Grêmio, Pepê changed his characteristics after transferring to Portuguese football and liked it. The forward usually plays as a midfielder and has even played as a fullback at Porto.
READ MORE
++ Possible lineups for the Brazil vs Mexico friendly before the Copa América
++ Every time Brazil and Mexico faced each other
++ Will Neymar join Santos?
“Playing in various positions allows me to have a completely different reading of the game. This season, I played more games as a midfielder. I was also successful there. If Dorival needs me, I’m available,” said Pepê, the player with the most games for Porto this season. He played 46 times for the club, playing in all attacking positions, as a midfielder, and even as a fullback on both sides of the field.
Pepê is part of the Porto trio called up by coach Dorival Júnior for the Copa América. In addition to Pepê, the coach also called up Wendell and Evanilson. The tournament will start on the 20th.
“This is very gratifying. It shows that in Portugal, we are all also being watched. This gives us a little more peace of mind to do our work for Porto,” said the forward.
This Thursday afternoon, the national team will fly to Texas, where they will face Mexico on Saturday (8). The friendly match will be the first test for the team led by Dorival Júnior before the Copa América. Brazil will make their debut in the competition on the 24th. The opponent will be Costa Rica. Colombia and Paraguay are also part of the national team’s group in the tournament.
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.
Binge the full series, available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel.
