The captain of the conquest spoke exclusively to Estadão about the Brazilian team, Neymar and other topics
On July 17, 1994, the Brazil broke a 24-year fast and became champion of the world Cup beating Italy on penalties. The fourth star would arrive on the chest, and the heroes of that generation would be marked forever. The gesture of Dunga, captain, who raised the trophy at the Rose Bowl stadium that afternoon would be immortalized.
Today Dunga lives far from the spotlight of football, but he is present in something much bigger with his institute, which helps organizations, charities and communities in need in Rio Grande do Sul. The former number 8 was a present figure a few months ago. while the state of Rio Grande do Sul suffered floods that killed hundreds of people.
Since 2016, when his second spell as coach of the Brazilian national team ended, Dunga has barely appeared in football circles. The invitations, according to him, have not been lacking.
Is Vini Jr. the best player in the world?
For me he is the best in the world. If he were European, you can be sure that 90% here in Brazil would say he is the best in the world, right? How was Mbappé last year, right? Everyone compares Mbappé to Vini Jr., right? ‘Ah, but Mbappé won the World Cup.’ How nice, Vini won two Champions Leagues.
Does Neymar still have space in the squad?
Saying he is a fundamental part of the team will depend on him, right? Now, if we talk about his qualities as a player, he is still important, without a doubt. If he returns from injury with the same pace and quality, he will be a different player. In Brazil there is the problem of not appreciating the personality of the players very much. That’s one thing. But as a player, man, it is indisputable.
Recent controversies over the appearance of the national team players
Ah, for me everything that is said too much is an exaggeration. I think that everything in life should have balance, right? Our time did not have this fashion that we have now. It has become fashionable. But I think we need to talk about the player, whether he plays or not. What he does is complementary, it does not say much about it.
Of course, when it comes to Brazil, when it comes to football, especially the Brazilian team, everything is sold, both good and bad. You have to see if the player has the personality to handle this pressure, this demand. Because he has pink hair, because you can be sure that if he has black hair and makes a mistake, he will receive a little criticism. But if he has pink hair and makes a mistake, the boys will denigrate him. Then you have to see if the player is prepared to deal with this, you know?
Dorival’s work and Ancelotti’s failed arrival
He is fine, he has adapted well to the St. Paul and in Flamengo. The Brazilian team is on the right track, he is a thoughtful boy and we must support him. But we must let the boy work, give him strength. He has already shown in Sao Paulo, Flamengo and Ceará that he has quality, experience… so we must support him.
Nobody was sure that he (Ancelotti) would come, right? Come on, the Argentina coach had experience? He did a great job, right? Winning doesn’t just depend on the coach, it depends on a whole structure around him, on the players. We love to criticize the South Americans and praise the Europeans. Obviously they have good things, obviously they are good coaches, but they have to adapt. Do you think that Ancelotti, who arrives at Real Madrid and speaks once a week to the press, would come to Brazil and have to speak every week, being the target of criticism from his family? Do you think he could do it? Whether it’s right or wrong I don’t know, but it’s the culture of each country.
Main memory of the 94 World Cup
Our atmosphere was very, very good. When I say our atmosphere was very, look, when you like someone, you have to tell the truth, right? And that group told the truth, even if it hurt. We liked each other, but it was a collective thought, it was for the good of the team. So when I say the atmosphere was very good, it wasn’t just jokes and laughter. No it wasn’t.
When we had to point out other people’s mistakes and say we had to improve, we did it because we wanted to win and, above all, because we understood that we depended on each other. And if I saw someone doing something wrong and I didn’t speak up, we would lose. So I had to demand it, and he had to demand it from me, so that we could achieve the final result.
In the end everyone understood, maybe at that moment they didn’t like the charge, but then they understood that it was the mentality of the group. And the memory of the ’94 World Cup, a memory that I will never forget, is when it came time to take the penalty, right? I can’t sleep well (laughs).
Source: Terra
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