“That doesn’t concern us” – Manager backing West Ham player and ignoring off-pitch issues

West Ham United star Lucas Paquetá is really back to the Brazilian national team.

Ignored by the managers since the betting investigations, the midfielder has now won back his place in the squad in the call-up made by new coach Dorival Junior.

National team director Rodrigo Caetano is quoted by Globo Esporte talking about Paquetá’s situation, and claimed there’s no reason to keep the midfielder out of the squad.

“Paquetá’s case is simple. He continues to play normally. He hasn’t been punished in any way. So it’s a situation that doesn’t concern us, he’s a top-level athlete. And there’s no investigation or accusation underway, at least not yet, so we won’t be the ones to determine that, on the contrary,” said Caetano.

Paquetá hasn’t played for Brazil since June 2023. When the betting allegations came up, he was supposed to be called up, but was immediately removed from the list. Since then, he was ignored by managers Fernando Diniz and Ramon Menezes. Now the CBF seems to have a new stance on the West Ham player, who continues to play normally for the Hammers.

Brazil will be playing England and Spain in a couple of friendlies which will be important to build the squad which will play in the Copa America. With a new manager in charge, the midfielder has the conditions to fight for a starting place in the team again.

Covering the news, ESPN Brasil journalist João Castelo-Branco came up to correct Caetano’s words, though.

“I agree with Paquetá’s call-up, but Rodrigo Caetano of the CBF made a mistake when he said that there are no charges or investigations at the moment. The English FA’s investigation is ongoing and has not yet been concluded. Maybe that’s what he meant.”