The Brazilian national team is not going through the best of times. Following Tite’s departure after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Selecao struggled to find consistency as the CBF’s search for a new coach took longer than expected. However, former left-back Roberto Carlos warns doubters not to underestimate what Fernando Diniz’s men can do at the 2024 Copa America.
“Never underestimate the Brazilian national team, I speak from experience,” Carlos told The Mirror. “We’ve got a new manager now and we just need to give him some time to work. We have great players and a good manager, I’m sure Copa America will be competitive and very exciting.”
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Brazil have a lot to prove ahead of 2024 Copa America
Tite’s exit left Brazil with an identity crisis, as they failed to recover the form they had before Qatar. Carlo Ancelotti was linked to the position for a while, with Ramon Menezes serving as interim coach, until the CBF decided to hire Diniz on a part-time role through the 2024 Copa America.
Diniz is simultaneously working as Fluminense manager, which sounds strange for such a storied national team like the Selecao. Their recent results haven’t been great, with Brazil sitting sixth in the World Cup Qualifiers after failing to pick up a win in their last four matches.
The five-time world champs won’t return to action until March, when they play a couple of friendlies. In June, they’ll start the Copa America campaign. Brazil were drawn against Colombia, Paraguay, and Concacaf 6 (Honduras or Costa Rica) in Group D.
