Today, on 08/18/2023, Fernando Diniz has called up the National Team for the first time as a coach. Join us as we take a look at who were called up and who were missing from this selection.
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Fernando Diniz Calls Up the Brazilian National Team
While the CBF waits for Carlo Ancelotti, the name that will lead the most powerful team in the world is Fernando Diniz.
For readers not familiar with Diniz’s work, let’s explain a bit here.
Diniz appeared on the national scene when he coached the modest team Audax, from the state of São Paulo. In 2016, Diniz and his team reached the final of the Paulista Championship. To achieve this, they eliminated none other than Corinthians and São Paulo. In the final, they were defeated by Santos, but showcased beautiful football and lost by only one goal.
Image: MAURO HORITA/AGIF/GAZETA PRESS
In this championship, Diniz’s team played a different style. Using the goalkeeper more than usual to build from the back, Diniz’s team attracted opponents into their own half and, with quick touches and movement, broke through the first two defensive lines, opening up space to attack.
Later on, Diniz aimed higher. He coached Fluminense, Santos, São Paulo, and Athletico Paranaense.
Amid ups and downs, he delivered solid performances with most teams, but could never reach the ultimate goal, the title.
That changed when he returned to Fluminense in May 2022. In the Brazilian League of that year, he led a strong campaign, securing third place.
In 2023, he won his first professional title by clinching the Carioca Championship against Flamengo.
You must be wondering: How could a coach with just one recently won title in his career have the capability to lead the Brazilian National Team?
The answer is that Diniz is a representative of his own school. A school that emphasizes the individuality of the player, thereby maximizing the team’s collective play.
He is known for extracting the best from each player and transforming ordinary players into great athletes. Much of his lack of titles was due to not having a star-studded squad or established players at his disposal.
As for the call-up, the names are as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Athletico), and Ederson (Manchester City);
- Fullbacks: Danilo (Juventus), Vanderson (Monaco), Caio Henrique (Monaco), and Renan Lodi (Marseille).
- Defenders: Ibañez (Al-Ahli), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), and Nino (Fluminense);
- Midfielders: André (Fluminense), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle), and Raphael Veiga (Palmeiras);
- Forwards: Antony (Manchester United), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton), Neymar (Al-Hilal), Richarlison (Tottenham), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), and Vini Jr (Real Madrid).
Image: Mauro Pimentel/AFP
Analysis of the Call
Preliminarily, we notice an absence. Lucas Paquetá, who played in the World Cup and was a regular figure in Tite’s call-ups. The West Ham player is under investigation by the English Football Association (FA) and FIFA. This is because his relatives allegedly placed bets in Brazil on games in which Paquetá played, violating the regulations on the matter.
It has been reported that his possible transfer to Manchester City has also cooled due to this issue, but it’s not ruled out if the situation is clarified and resolved quickly.
Another interesting fact is the presence of Neymar and Ibañez, who are part of the new vibrant Saudi League.
It’s also worth highlighting the inclusion of Athletico Paranaense’s goalkeeper, Bento. The outstanding player has garnered interest from various European clubs and rightfully receives an opportunity with the Yellow Jersey.
A point of discussion lies in the call-ups of Richarlison and Matheus Cunha. Both players didn’t have standout seasons for their clubs.
In the Brazilian League, players like Vitor Roque and Marcos Leonardo have shown far superior football despite their youth. They could also represent a renewal of the squad.
On the other hand, Diniz had already stated that he doesn’t intend to harm Brazilian teams by calling up key players in a crucial phase of the season.
With that said, there’s a certain level of anticipation to see how Fernando Diniz’s performance will be now that he has the team he has always dreamed of. From our perspective, we believe he can truly deliver an incredible job and even leave a mark when Ancelotti takes over.
And you? What do you think of the call-up? Who would you call? Who would you leave out? Let us now in the comments below!
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Written by Vitor F L Miller
