[ad_1]
Brazil’s national men’s team head coach Tite has denied being pressured to step down following criticism that his team will boycott the upcoming Copa America.
Brazil’s star players have debated whether or not they should play in the South American Continental Championship at home, but will not make their position known until after Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Paraguay.
– World Cup 2022: How qualifying works around the world – Why the Copa America moved to Brazil
The Copa America, awarded to defending champion Brazil after Argentina and Colombia were dropped as co-hosts, has become a controversial issue amid rising coronavirus cases in the region.
Supporters of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have called on Tite to step down as the manager previously said his players discussed the Copa issue with the head of the Brazilian football confederation. [CBF].
When asked at a press conference on Monday whether he had been forced to resign, Tite simply replied “no” and said his team were focused on the game against Paraguay.
“We reiterate our respect for the situation and for this reason the coaching staff and the players will provide their input,” said Tite. “We are proud of what we do and we know the importance of the national team.
“I have a lot of respect for my job and for the Brazilian national team and we are fighting to qualify for the World Cup, and the best way to show that is to do the best job possible.”
Rogerio Caboclo, who has been suspended for 30 days as CBF president over allegations of sexual misconduct, told ESPN Brasil that the players never mentioned the Copa boycott, nor asked to Titus to withdraw.
“The players never mentioned a Copa America boycott, it never happened at any time [speaking about the meeting with the players]. And I never wanted to replace Tite, the technical staff. We will all be together at the 2022 World Cup and to win, ”Caboclo said.
Of the allegations, Caboclo said: “I can’t say anything about it because everything will be dealt with with my defense. I am innocent. I am absolutely sure that I will prove it. And there is no doubt that I will be back. [to the CBF presidency]. My whole family supports me, my wife, my son, my parents, my ex-wife. “
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
[ad_2]
picture credit