Kolkata: Brazilian soccer legend and former coach of the country's national team Carlos Dunga feels upcoming talent Neymar should not ply his trade in Europe for the next three years. "He should not play in Europe now. He can take a call after three years," Dunga, who led Brazil to the World Cup title in 1994, told newspersons.
He said Neymar was Brazil's best asset to win future laurels, but the 20-year-old needed more experience. The comments by the coach of the 2010 Brazilian World Cup team are only the latest in the series of remarks by the Latin American nation's soccer greats, including Pele, that Neymar should not move to Europe now despite several clubs there evincing interest in the youngster.
Dunga, who turns 50 Oct 31, was sacked as Brazil's coach after the side went down to the Netherlands in the quarter-final of the 2010 World Cup. "Now I have lot of invitations for taking up a new assignment. I am now ready to take charge of another team," he said.
Asked to draw a comparison between the famed Brazilian sides of the 1950s-1960s and the present successful Spanish team, Dunga said that while the Samba magicians comprising the likes of Pele frequently churned out 4-0 or 5-0 scorelines, the present Spain squad generally won by a one- or two-goal margin.
On Brazil losing their Numero Uno position in the FIFA rankings and dropping as low as 14th, he said: "We don't want our team there. We know they are the best. The team is growing up. We need time. We need to keep playing and we will get there".
Responding to another query on how he fancied Brazil's chances at a time when Germany and Spain were putting up a strong show, the defensive midfielder - known for his fine anticipation and timing during his playing days - said: "I know these two teams are good and Spain has a strong defence. But I think Brazil can make it".
India's famous footballer of yesteryears Chuni Goswami sought his prescription for improving the country's soccer standards. Dunga, who played in Japan's J-League between 1995 and 1998, harped on his experience in the east Asian nation. "When Japan started their big push in soccer, they hired lot of experienced and good players from abroad. This was to help their own young players to learn. Coaches from Brazil also went to Japan. India also can follow Japan's example," he said.
Dunga was asked whether he wanted Pele or Maradona in his team as coach. "Both," he replied. Analysing Spanish outfit FC Barcelona's amazing consistency, he said: "The players have been together for a long time. And the club also has Lionel Messi."
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