In a couple of hours, Brazil manager Dorival Junior will name the squad that will take part in the Copa América 2024.
As ESPN Brasil today features an interview with West Ham United star Lucas Paquetá, they had to ask him about his chances of going to the tournament.
The Hammers’ midfielder highlighted his big wish to be called-up, explaining he has his fingers crossed to get a place in the squad.
“I’m really looking forward to it, the call-up comes out tomorrow and I’ll be hoping and praying that I’m on the list. I’ve already won one Copa América and got close in another against Argentina. I hope to play and win again, because there’s nothing better than winning a trophy with the Brazilian national team,” said the West Ham player.
Paquetá also talked about the importance of this tournament, as Brazil have a new manager and need to prove themselves.
“It’s a very big test, because (Brazil) are going to be up against great teams and having to reshape a squad, create an identity. You have to have your head on straight and your feet on the ground too. We know it’s not going to be easy, but we have to work hard to find a place as quickly as possible. If I’m there, I’ll try my best to help Brazil win.”
Since Tite’s departure at the end of the 2022 World Cup, Brazil had Ramon Menezes and Fernando Diniz as interim managers. In January, they chose Dorival Junior, who was only in charge for a couple of friendlies so far.
Lucas Paquetá, who has 44 caps for Brazil, had been left out of the national team for months because of the betting investigations. He made a comeback as soon as the new manager took charge, though, and even scored a goal in the match against Spain in March.
So there’s a big chance he’ll be at the tournament.
