Tuesday 17 / September / 2024
RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil defender Gabriel Magalhaes has called for patience from the country's football fans, promising the team is close to clicking under manager Dorival Junior.
Brazil ended a four-game winless run in World Cup qualifiers with a 1-0 home victory over Ecuador in Curitiba on Friday.
According to Gabriel, the five-time world champions have adapted quickly to the methods of Dorival, who replaced Fernando Diniz as manager in January.
"It's been a short time and we've had to make quick adjustments, but we already have in mind what the manager wants," the 26-year-old Arsenal player told a news conference on Sunday.
"It's a new cycle and we know that we have a lot to improve. But we also have a lot of quality. From the moment we are in sync on the field, things will flow better. What won't be lacking is willpower because when you were this short, you know that you take on a big responsibility."
The comments came as Brazil prepared for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Paraguay in Asuncion.
Brazil are currently fourth in the 10-team South American group, with 10 points from seven qualifiers, while Paraguay are seventh, four points further back.
"Some of the Paraguayan players are in the Premier League so I know them," Gabriel said. "They are fast players, but we are focused on going there and trying to get the three points."
He added: "What we want is to win first and, of course, to bring joy to the Brazilian people. Football today isn't just about playing beautifully, it's about results."
"There will be games that you win 1-0 without playing well and there will be games in which you'll play well and not win. That's football. We have to be patient."
