After his indecent behavior toward former Santos coach Dorival, Brazil’s national team coach Mano Menzes has dropped the axe on the country’s talented 18 year old star ahead of next month’s friendly games. Also omitted from the 23 man squad were Inter duo Lucio and Maicon
Neymar angrily confronted Dorival hurling insults at him and his team mates after he was denied the opportunity to take a penalty he had won in a league match against Atletico GO. Although he later apologized for his actions, his display led national team coach Menezes to drop for key friendlies next month.
Menezes maintained that the main reason why he did not select Neymar was because his current form had dipped.
“I want to be clear as to the line of thinking in the way we work. We have always said that players get called-up because of their performances on the pitch. Neymar has been struggling a bit to find his best form recently and has had some problems off the pitch,” said Menezes to reporters.
In a friendly against the USA in early August, Neymar’s goal and contributions to the Selecao’s 2-0 victory was heralded as the dawning of a new Brazil. For a while, all the hulabaloo about Dunga and his ineffective coaching techniques ended as fans were treated to a specatcle of Joga Bonito football that had been missing since Dunga’s selection to the post 4 years ago.
However, unlike Dunga, Meneze’s exclusion of Neymar is not a personal issue. In fact, Meneze’s has maintained that should he return to form then, a place on the squad will always be available.
“But we all agree that the brilliant style of football he showcased in the last months should be the trademark of Neymar. If that returns, he will return to the Selecao.”
Milan’s star player Ronaldinho also did not make the squad as did Felipe Melo and Diego. Melo’s exclusion is probably the best news so far as the Juventus midfielder has always been one of the most over rated players in the squad.
Below is the complete list.
Goalkeepers: Victor (Gremio), Jefferson (Botafogo), Neto (Atletico Paranaense)
Defenders: Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Mariano (Fluminense), Alex (Chelsea), Thiago Silva (Milan), David Luiz (Benfica), Andre Santos (Fenerbahce), Adriano (Barcelona)
Midfielders: Wesley (Werder Bremen), Sandro (Tottenham), Ramires (Chelsea), Philippe Coutinho (Inter), Lucas (Liverpool), Giuliano (Internacional), Elias (Corinthians), Carlos Eduardo (Rubin Kazan)
Forwards: Robinho (Milan), Alexandre Pato (Milan), Nilmar (Villarreal), Andre (Dynamo Kiev)
Photo credit: from diogo.franca