Brazil boss reveals conversation with Casemiro after Manchester United midfielder went down

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

The 62-year-old named his 23-man squad for this summer’s competition on Friday afternoon. Brazil will play their final friendlies against Mexico and the USA early next month before the competition kicks off on June 20.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has made 75 appearances for his country since making his debut in 2011. He helped them win the Copa America on home soil in 2019 with a 3-1 win over Peru at the Maracana.

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However, after a disastrous second season at United, he was dropped from the squad along with Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus and Tottenham’s Richarlison. During his press conference, Dorival suggested that a decision on Casemiro was made several months ago when the pair met in Manchester.

He told Globo Esporte: “As for Casemiro, he deserves respect from all of us. I had a talk with him in Manchester three months ago and I explained to him what I was thinking then, about his situation and of his team and what we needed But just because he wasn’t called up this time doesn’t mean he’s been ruled out (for future calls) in any way.

“He knows exactly what I think about him and that’s the main thing. Tomorrow I will talk to him again and outline what I think can happen in the future, because he is a player who deserves consideration, affection and respect. keep believing in a player of his level.”

Casemiro was heavily criticized after United’s 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace earlier this week. Despite being under contract until 2026, it remains unclear whether he will remain at the club beyond the summer.

Meanwhile, the Copa America could follow the same decision made ahead of this summer’s European Championship and increase to a 26-man squad. According to reports, it will most likely increase from 23 to 26 players, although CONMEBOL has yet to confirm the possible changes.

The competition to be held in America will begin on June 20, with the final scheduled for July 14.

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