Brazil boss explains snubbing Casemiro for Copa America squad

Brazil manager Dorival Junior has explained his decision to leave Casemiro out of the Brazil squad for this summer’s Copa America.

It comes as a big surprise because Casemiro has donning the captain’s armband for Brazil up until recently. Now, manager Dorival Jr has opted to leave him out of the Brazil squad for the upcoming Copa America.

Speaking to Globo Esporte, the Brazil manager said (via Manchester Evening News): “Regarding Casemiro, he deserves respect from all of us. I had a chat with him in Manchester three months ago and explained what I was thinking at the time, about his and his team’s situation, and what I needed. But just because he wasn’t called up this time, it doesn’t mean he’s been ruled out [for future call-ups] in any way.

“He knows exactly what I think of him and that is the main thing. Tomorrow I will have another chat with him and outline what I think may happen in the future, because he is a player that deserves consideration, affection and respect. We will continue believing in a player of his level.”

It is worth noting that Dorival is not ruling out future call-ups for Casemiro.

However, I don’t think Casemiro needs to feel hard done by since his performance levels have dropped significantly over the past year.

Casemiro has struggled with the pace of the Premier League this season and looks set to leave Old Trafford, with interest stemming from Saudi Arabia.

Moving his career to the Middle East won’t do Casemiro’s international career any favours. Or has the chance of more international tournaments already slipped through Casemiro’s fingers?

Only time will tell but it’s sad seeing a top player go backwards.