Ricardo Gareca revealed that he may set a specific defensive assignment for Neymar, ahead of Peru’s Group C opener againstBrazil on June 14.
The Barcelona man heads into the Copa in red-hot form, fresh off a 39-goal season at Camp Nou, while he has also struck eight times in as many games for the national team.
However, Gareca has no qualms about applying a man-marking system on the Brazil captain, a tactic that he is already comfortable with.
“We will consider whether to order personal marking on Neymar. I’ve done that before when I went to other teams,” he said to reporters at the team’s base in Lima.
“We are looking to Brazil. When the time comes, we will have a clearer picture.”
The 57-year-old was also happy to have a full squad at his disposal and revealed that 2011 top scorer Paolo Guerrero was progressing as expected from an ankle injury, describing him as “sufficiently definite” for a role against Brazil.
“The team is all fully restored. Given the time, we’ll get right to the cup, and then the Fifa [World Cup qualifiers], which should be pretty good,” he continued.
“Paolo is also very well and recovered. He has no downside.”
Gareca also shared his thoughts on the international future of Claudio Pizarro, who he hinted may not be done with Los Incas after the Copa.
“Pizarro has the desire to be with Peru. He has love for the country,” he explained.
Peru will also play matches against Colombia and Venezuela as they bid to qualify from Group C.
Bron: ca2015.com