As widely reported, Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has been left out of Brazil’s squad for the Copa America.
The 32-year-old, who had been a starter in all of the national team’s major tournaments in the past few years, ended up staying out of Dorival Junior’s list.
When holding a press conference today (via Globo Esporte), the coach was directly asked about Casemiro’s situation. He was very careful when talking about the Manchester United player, claiming this situation had been coming for a while.
“With regard to Casimiro, he deserves all our respect, I had a conversation with him in Manchester about three months ago, I explained what I thought of his moment, his team, what I needed, what I needed,” he said.
Dorival Junior also claimed he’ll have a special conversation with Casemiro, and kept the national team doors open for him.
“It doesn’t mean that because he’s not coming at the moment that he is or will be ruled out, in any sense, He knows very well what I think about him and I think that’s the main thing.
“Tomorrow I’ll calmly make contact with Casimiro, of course putting forward what I believe could happen in the future, not least because he’s a player who deserves consideration, affection, respect and that we continue to believe in an athlete of this level.”
It’s probably safe to say that Casemiro isn’t having a dream season at Manchester United, as his individual performances have been poor for a while now. With Erik ten Hag now lining him up in central defence, that only made things worse.
Staying out of a big tournament will surely be a shock for the midfielder, and that could perhaps even his future at the Red Devils, in case he wants to see a place where he can be at his best again.
