Brazil coach Tite has revealed he needed a caipirinha after Leeds United’s Raphinha’s goalscoring debut for the country.
The Leeds star made his debut for Brazil in sensational fashion this week, scoring a double in the 4-1 win over Uruguay.
The performance has earned him newfound star status in his country, with many expecting him to kick on and become a regular in the national side from here on out.
Indeed, there is a feeling the Leeds man could help to solve some of the offensive problems which have plagued the Selecao in recent times.
That would certainly not be surprising given his display against Uruguay, a result which pushed Brazil to the verge of qualifying for the World Cup.
Brazil coach Tite has tried to calm things down in that regard for the time being, although he admitted he would be drinking a cocktail or two, specifically a caipirinha, following the Leeds star’s performance.
“Be calm and keep going. It’s a process,” he told UOL.
“We have the insight, the realisation of the great performance. But in a little while, you think it’s the peak of the mountain.
“He’s going to fluctuate because it’s natural; he’s a young kid. He played a great game, but we have to have serenity at the time of evaluations.
“My thanks for the conversation with Bielsa. You have to play a lot at club level, the competition gets tougher, the stakes get higher, and you have to compete to be in the national team.
“I want to enjoy this together with my wife, my daughter, my grandchildren, my daughter-in-law. Stay a moment of peace. I’ll have one (caipirinha), yes. Maybe two. But I’m staying at home; I’m not driving.”
