Brazil can get better, Coutinho says
‘Selecao’ within striking distance of Cup finals berth
Midfielder Philippe Coutinho has insisted that the Brazilian football team still has scope for improvement despite winning seven straight matches since the appointment of coach Tite.
The Selecao moved to within touching distance of a berth at next year’s World Cup with a 4-1 victory over Uruguay in Montevideo on Thursday. Tite’s team will all but secure a spot in Russia if they overcome Paraguay at Corinthians Arena on Tuesday, reported Xinhua.
Despite the confidence gained under Tite, who replaced Dunga in June after the team’s group-stage elimination from the Copa America, Coutinho said Brazil were far from a finished product.
“There is always something that we can improve. Tite pays a lot of attention to detail, positioning and dead-ball situations. We are playing well but he is always talking about what we need to do to get better,” the Liverpool midfielder told reporters on Saturday.
Brazil currently lead the South American zone World Cup qualifying standings with 30 points from 13 matches, seven points ahead of secondplaced Uruguay.
Paraguay are seventh, with 18 points, and need to win on Tuesday to maintain hope of qualifying for the tournament in Russia.
“We have to be focused just as we were against Uruguay. Every game is complicated and every team wants to make life difficult for us,” Coutinho said.
“We had a great result against Uruguay, which showed our maturity. But now we have another challenge. If we are all focused, we are confident that everything will go to plan,” he added.
Under pressure
Corinthians’ left-back Fagner has vowed to make the most of every minute after he was informed about his inclusion in Brazil’s playing eleven against Paraguay in the World Cup football qualifier here on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old Corinthians’ player will replace Juventus veteran Daniel Alves, who is suspended after picking up his second yellow card in the Selecao’s 4-1 victory over Uruguay on Thursday, reports Xinhua.
“I’m used to being under pressure because we face it every day at Corinthians. I want to make the most of every minute and try to leave the pressure aside. I know this stadium well and my family is going to be here. I want to soak up the experience,” Fagner told reporters.
“I’m excited to be given this opportunity. It’s a privilege that all players dream about. But I’m going to try to keep calm so that I can be at my best,” added the former Wolfsburg player who will be making his second international appearance.