Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has admitted he is doing his best to convince Brazil manager Dorival Júnior to give him back his starting role.
The Brazilian is back in the squad for his country’s games against Ecuador and Paraguay during this international break and has been speaking to Globo about his status.
Injuries across 2023 and continuing into this year mean the Manchester City number one remains number two for his country behind Liverpool’s Alisson.
The Reds goalkeeper has been Brazil’s first choice at the last two World Cups but there was a belief that would change in this qualification cycle.
Instead, Ederson has been left on the outside looking in, missing various games, including friendlies against Spain and England and then the Copa America with a fracture near his eye socket.
That means he’s had no opportunity to stake his claim to Dorival and Liverpool’s goalkeeper remains ahead of him in the pecking order.
That’s a frustrating status for a man who is accustomed to being number one at club level and has the pile of trophies to prove he’s worthy of that status too.
He’s yet to really be given a chance by Brazil despite that but admits he’s doing his best to change things in his favour.
“I will do my best, train in the best way, the decision is in his hands (Dorival Júnior),” he said
“Here in the Seleçao there is no player with a permanent seat or guaranteed place. The 23 called up will have the opportunity to play, they have to work and show it.
“It’s always good to be back here, especially after last season, in which I had some injuries, especially the last one, which was a little more serious, with a fracture near the eyeball.
“I felt very sorry for losing the final stretch with my team and the Copa América with the Seleçao, I was very frustrated, but that’s how an athlete’s life is, we are subject to everything. I’m happy to have recovered 100% and be back with the national team.”
