Gilberto criticised – but backed by Brazil coach Dunga
June 12, 2009
Translated from Super Esportes:
Since Dunga took over as Brazil coach, the subject of his biggest criticism is midfielder Gilberto Silva of Panathinaikos. On Friday, the first news conference of the Brazilian team in Bloemfontein in South Africa, the coach vented on the analysis carried out on his football and contrasted it to the criticism of Argentina’s Juan Sebastian Veron, Argentinian midfielder.
“Every time I leave for Europe I take a vaccine beforehand to prepare for the criticism. Seeing the game in Argentina, there was a comment about Veron, about how he is experienced and important. But when Gilberto Silva is here in Brazil, it is that he is old. But I am calm; it does not bother me”, said Dunga.
Gilberto Silva is 32 years and has been in the team since 2002. While still at Atletico-MG, the midfielder was chosen by then coach Luiz Felipe Scolari during the final preparation matches before the World Cup in Japan and South Korea – and With great performances, the player took the position and had a role in Brazil’s fifth world cup title. Since then, the player is a constant presence in the national team.
The player has earned the trust of three coaches in the national team: Scolari, Carlos Alberto Parreira and recently, Dunga. For Gilberto Silva, the support of the coaches and especially his experience are essential in deflecting criticism of his play.
“After eight years, I have to get used to always being criticised. It is important to see that I have the confidence of the coach, but also have to show work. Criticism brings benefit and I always look at it in the right way in order to improve”, said the holding midfielder.