As Manchester United midfielder Casemiro held a press at Brazil’s training camp this week, he had a lot to say about new manager Fernando Diniz.
The coach has already managed the national team in the past two fixtures of the World Cup qualifiers, but since he has a completely different style from Tite, his predecessor, players are still adapting to it.
Quoted by Globo Esporte, Casemiro was asked about this difference. The Manchester United player claimed that with Diniz in charge, he gets the ball more, and that’s the type of game he likes better.
“It’s a bit different, yes. Diniz asks me to always touch the ball, get the ball on my feet, to control the game, to play at a forward pace, to play sideways, to always have the ball passing through my feet,” said Casemiro.
“Each coach has his own characteristics, but the principles of football are the same. One coach is more vertical, another likes possession. One of the things I liked most about Diniz is that he asks me to pass the ball around a lot, and I’m happy about that.”
Casemiro also spoke about being one of the most experienced players in Brazil’s current squad.
“I’m happy, especially because I’m one of the most experienced players here, I’ve been with the national team the longest. You always end up needing help, asking for opinions, nobody is perfect. In a player’s career, regardless of his age, he’s learning new things, and that’s important.”
Brazil won their first two games in the World Cup qualifiers, against Bolivia and Peru, and will now face Venezuela and Uruguay in the upcoming rounds. Casemiro holds a starting place and is expected to feature in both of those matches.
Manchester United will be hoping he returns fully fit, as the Red Devils get back in action on the 21st of October, when they face Sheffield United.
