The Selecao coach is already under intense pressure – just over six months after returning to the position
Luiz Gustavo has voiced his support for under-fire Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari ahead of next month’s Confederations Cup campaign.
The World Cup-winning coach only returned to the role last November, replacing Mano Menezes at the helm, but he is already under pressure on account of his side’s inconsistent form, as well as some controversial squad selections.
Gustavo, though, has nothing but admiration for Scolari, having thoroughly enjoyed his last couple of training camps with the national team.
“Things went really well with him,” the Bayern Munich midfielder told Fifa.com. “I saw that he’s a very open person who says what he thinks and makes his ideas very clear to everybody.
“He’s someone who tries to give everyone confidence and show exactly what he wants, which really helps. It then just comes down to each of us to take that on board and put it into practice.”
Competition for places in the Selecao‘s midfield is fierce but Luiz Gustavo is confident that he can force his way into the starting line-up.
“I’m enjoying a great period with my club and I believe that I can play a part in the Confederations Cup, particularly after what I showed in training during the two call-ups,” he enthused.
Tournament hosts Brazil kick off their campaign against Japan before tackling Mexico and Italy, but will do so without veterans Kaka and Ronaldinho, who were left out of the squad.