Rio de Janeiro, April 3 (IANS) Former national coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has said Brazil’s 2014 World Cup campaign will be considered a failure if the team does not win the tournament.
Parreira, who coached the team at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, said Monday it was inconceivable to imagine Brazil not lifting the trophy on home soil.
“We have to win the World Cup in Brazil, we have that responsibility,” Parreira was quoted as saying by Xinhua.
“The pressure will be enormous, especially from the media. The players have to be prepared for that pressure and the impatience of fans. The team has to get things right, on and off the pitch.”
Parreira said current coach Mano Menezes had until the London Olympics in July to experiment with the team.
“He is going to have to make the most of every moment to define his team and strategy and then concentrate on that team for the World Cup,” said Parreira.
Parreira believes there is still a place in the national team for former FIFA world player of the year Ronaldinho.
The former Barcelona and AC Milan playmaker was overlooked by coach Dunga for Brazil’s 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
But despite having just turned 32, Parreira believes the Flamengo star is capable of recapturing his best form.
“Ronaldinho hasn’t forgotten how to play. When he wants to play well, he does. He still plays some memorable games for Flamengo.
“If he rediscovers that passion and motivation maybe he can be that player who comes back into the team, even if it is just to give the team some more experience. But if he doesn’t have that flame inside him, he can forget it.”
