Wolves man in measured response over position debate – Calm after being ignored

Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha has insisted he is happy to play wherever Brazil need him and isn’t worried about a recent omission from the squad.

The Wolves star has been speaking to ESPN in Brazil about his own situation at Molineux and a potential call-up to the next Brazil squad to boot.

He’s found himself in good form for Gary O’Neil’s side this season, bouncing back from a slow start to life at the club in the second half of last season to manage five goals and three assists in 17 games in all competitions this season.

That should put him on Brazil’s radar once again, with the Wolves forward in and out of the squad since making his debut for the Selecao in September 2021.

Since that point he’s made 11 appearances for his country, featuring in the World Cup. Copa America and international friendlies since despite not yet scoring for them.

He’s often been deployed as the number nine by the nation, a position that comes with immense responsibility given the names that have come before, such as Ronaldo and Pele.

Those lack of goals mean that the Wolves man was left out of the squad for recent clashes with Colombia and Argentina, something he was calm about when discussing the matter.

“Basically, they named the number after the name and it turned into a snowball, Brazilians live by that,” he said.

“The position I play today is where I find myself most, much freer, scoring goals, assisting. But this number 9 in the national team is different, not only because he has to score a goal, but any striker who plays for the national team carries a huge weight because of the great names that have already played there.

“Some can do it at 19, 20 or any early age, others with more time. There is no point in suffering out of anxiety. I hope to represent in the best way possible.

“It was very calm. I am very aware of decisions that you cannot control. You have to do what is in your hands, do your best,” he added on being left out.

“The national team is something wonderful, I always wanted to be there. Thank God I already had the opportunity, but it is a fierce competition from people who also deserve to be there.

“Regardless of the coach’s decision, it will be what he thinks is best at that moment for the team. It’s hope that we have a team at the level that everyone wants.”