Brazil coach Dunga admits his side will face criticism even if they win the Copa América, but claims the pressure was far greater when he was a player after 40 years without success in the continental competition.
The Seleção meet Paraguay in a quarter-final clash in Concepción on Saturday and Dunga is well aware that the hopes of an entire country are on his side’s shoulders after failure at last year’s World Cup in their homeland.
“There is always criticism and there is always pressure,” Dunga said at the pre-match press conference on Friday. “You can’t satisfy everyone, even if you win, but it’s a joy and an honour to defend our country.
“Brazil went 40 years without winning the Copa América (between 1949 and 1989) and that with all the exceptional players we had during that time.
“We are going about our work in the same way we always do and trying to win games. Opinion is free and we respect everyone. But we are just focused on beating Paraguay.”
Dunga was asked whether he would rather meet Argentina or Colombia in a possible semi-final match-up, but reiterated that he is not looking beyond the game against Paraguay.
“All the teams that make the semi-finals will be strong,” he said. “It is not about choosing anyone. We are just preparing to win – and we are only concerned with ourselves.”
Brazil are without the suspended Neymar, who was hit with a four-match ban for his red card and insults to the referee in the group game against Colombia.
“Neymar was punished and he has learned from his mistake,” Filipe Luis added in the same press conference.
Looking ahead to the game against Paraguay, the Chelsea defender added: “They have improved very much in recent years. The game won’t be decided in the first few minutes. We know they will sit back and attack us on the counter.
“The games in this Copa América are very tactical and our main objective is to be solid at the back in order to avoid any surprises.”
Brazil were knocked out by Paraguay on penalties in the 2011 Copa after a goalless game in La Plata, but Filipe (who was not involved in that match) believes that will have no bearing on Saturday’s showdown.
“I remember some details from the game,” he said. “But this is a completely different story, with different players. It is a different Copa América and that game has nothing to do with this one.”
Bron: ca2015.com
