Former Brazil goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel has expressed his solidarity with national team coach Dunga over the possible withdrawal of star players Ronaldinho and Kaka from the Copa America next month.
The pair, currently on duty with their club's Barcelona and AC Milan respectively, have already asked to be excused from the June 26-July 15 competition in Venezuela, citing exhaustion after a long European season.
Both are still heavily involved with the climax of their campaigns and have stated their intention to take holidays thereafter, but Taffarel is unhappy with their attitude.
"A coach isn't happy when he summons players and they ask for vacations," said the 1994 World Cup winning custodian.
"It is important that those players also think about the coach's situation. They should think better about their decisions, but at the end it is their choice."
However, Taffarel claimed that their absence will work in favour of Brazilian football.
"Ronaldinho and Kaka are still young players and have a great future in the national team. Their absence also opens the door to other great players that could show their quality," he added.
Both are still heavily involved with the climax of their campaigns and have stated their intention to take holidays thereafter, but Taffarel is unhappy with their attitude.
"A coach isn't happy when he summons players and they ask for vacations," said the 1994 World Cup winning custodian.
"It is important that those players also think about the coach's situation. They should think better about their decisions, but at the end it is their choice."
However, Taffarel claimed that their absence will work in favour of Brazilian football.
"Ronaldinho and Kaka are still young players and have a great future in the national team. Their absence also opens the door to other great players that could show their quality," he added.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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