Despite having a starting place in the Brazil team in the first two games of Copa America, Everton forward Richarlison ended up losing his spot.
The 22-year-old didn’t do very well in the 3-0 win over Bolivia and the 0-0 draw against Venezuela, and ended up being benched for the match against Peru.
Gabriel Jesus and Everton replaced Richarlison and David Neres in the team, and the improvement was big, with Brazil winning the match 5-0.
Richarlison spoke to Alexandre Praetzel from Yahoo after the game, and admitted that he felt ‘sad’ for losing his place in the team. Asked if Tite explained the reason for the change, he confirmed it.
“Look, he explained. He said the form of Gabriel and Everton is better. So I respect and expect the opportunity again. For sure, I will be prepared and keep working hard so I’ll be ready if the opportunity comes up.
“Look, it’s sad, right, because I wanted to be playing. But at the same time, I’m happy for my teammates who are living up to it and scoring goals. So I keep working. Surely, I’m going to come in again. No point in me regretting things now, or things are going to get worse. If opportunity comes, I’ll do my best.”
Brazil are now waiting for the last fixture to end so they will get to know who they will face in the Copa America’s quarter finals. It’s Japan, Ecuador and Paraguay who could face them.
Venezuela will be playing Argentina in the quarter finals, while Colombia and Peru are still waiting to know their possible rivals.
