Dunga preaches commitment, Kaka asks for a holiday
RIO DE JANEIRO: Kaka's request not to play for Brazil at the Copa America goes against everything coach Dunga has preached since he was appointed last year.
The AC Milan player has sent a letter to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) asking to skip the tournament in Venezuela in June and July because he needs a break from football.
Kaka's words were exactly the last thing that fiery former captain Dunga - whose appointment was a reaction to Brazil's lacklustre display at last year's World Cup - would have wanted to hear.
"I have gone exactly three years without a rest, denied holidays not just because of commitments but also because of discrepancies between the European and Brazilian calendars," said Kaka.
"I should point out that I will not be in psychological or physical condition to play the role expected of me at international level."
Dunga's only response so far has been a paraphrased comment on the Brazilian Football Confederation's website.
"Dunga said he would like to be able to count on all the players at the Copa America, as it is the first official competition since the World Cup, where the Brazilian team did not get the result everyone expected," said the statement.
"He also said that Kaka's decision opens up an opportunity for other players to be tried."
Other players
However, on taking over as coach, Dunga warned: "While I'm in charge, they'll have to give their body, soul, mind and heart to the national team."
"The players have to understand that we've got quality, but they have to be highly motivated, be excited to play for the national team, know that few have this possibility and make the most of it."
When Kaka's club mate Dida asked not to be picked last year, Dunga's reply was forthright: "We don't want any player who doesn't want to represent Brazil, who doesn't have any pleasure in being here," he said.
Kaka's request has already been criticised in Brazil, where it is believed other players will follow suit.
"It's a relief for the other players who don't want to go," said a column in the Folha de Sao Paulo.
"Now, they can argue that they have the same right. Ronaldinho is one of them."
Fernando Calazans, columnist in the Rio de Janeiro daily O Globo, wrote: "It's the type of case which illustrates the complete lack of identity of the best Brazilian players with the Brazilian supporter, the Brazilian national team and Brazilian football.
"It's the natural consequence of this move en masse, at an ever-younger age, of these players to Europe. Brazil is a place where they spend their holidays."
Agencies
(China Daily 05/15/2007 page23)
