Brazil Coach Dorival Junior Explains Reason Behind Casemiro's Exclusion From Copa America Squad

• Dorival Junior has disclosed the reason for Casemiro's omission from the Copa America squad
• The Brazil head coach cited a conversation they had with the Man United star three months ago
• The veteran midfielder has not had the best of seasons in the Premier League under Erik Ten Hag

Brazil national team coach, Dorival Junior, has explained his decision to exclude Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, from the 23-man squad for the upcoming Copa America tournament.

The 62-year-old coach recently announced his team selection, which raised eyebrows with the omission of the former Real Madrid star, who played a crucial role in Brazil's 2019 Copa America victory.

In an interview with Globo Esporte, Junior said that his conversation with Casemiro three months ago had clarified his expectations and the player's situation.

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"Casemiro deserves respect from all of us. I chatted with him in Manchester and explained what I was thinking at the time. He knows exactly what I think of him, and that is the main thing. Tomorrow, I will have another chat with him and outline what I think may happen in the future because he is a player who deserves consideration, affection, and respect. We will continue believing in a player of his level," he said, as reported by Daily Post.

Junior reassured that the player's exclusion does not rule him out for future call-ups.

The squad includes teenage sensation Endrick, who will join Real Madrid from Palmeiras in July, as well as Los Blancos forwards, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo. FC Porto attacker Evanilson is the only new call-up for the tournament, which will take place in the United States from June 20 to July 14.

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As per Goal, Neymar, who has been sidelined since October, and Thiago Silva, who will leave Chelsea for Fluminense at the end of the season, were also left out.

Brazil confirm Dorival Junior as new coach

Sports Brief reported when Brazil confirmed the appointment of Dorival Junior as the new manager.

The former Sao Paulo boss Dorival Junior took over the five-time world champions after a string of poor results.

The CBF did not specify the length of his contract, but Brazilian media reported it would run through the 2026 World Cup.