Brazil manager Tite has sent a warning to Aston Villa’s Philippe Coutinho and the other players left out of his latest squad.
The Brazil boss named his squad for the next set of international fixtures today but sprung a surprise by omitting several big names.
Coutinho is one of them, alongside Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, following an indifferent start to the season for the Aston Villa star.
He excelled under Steven Gerrard last season after arriving from Barcelona on loan but has not been able to replicate that since his stay at Villa Park was made a permanent one.
Indeed, he has found himself competing with Emi Buendía for the number ten role in Gerrard’s system, with the Argentine looking a better choice at times.
That is something Tite has clearly picked up on, electing to leave him out of his current set. And when asked, he sent a message to the Aston Villa man and others who have missed out.
“This is a call-up for these two games,” UOL report him saying.
“Here’s a very clear message to all the athletes, with a lot of transparency that has been up to now: do your best.
“Prepare well physically, take care clinically, be at the highest level in their clubs to in 60 days be competing in a way, then yes, definitive [for the final list].
“These are also opportunities so that, up front, we have a little more ‘peace’, a greater sense of justice so that we can decide [the squad].
“Specifically for this one, but with respect for everyone, including those who are out, but with that message.”
