Rio de Janeiro, Sep 28 (DPA) Brazilian national coach Carlos Dunga spoke up for his star player Ronaldinho, currently at the centre of controversy at his Spanish football club Barcelona.
At a press conference here Thursday, Dunga asked the fans to be patient with the attacking midfielder, who is recovering from an injury, and demanded that they not blame Ronaldinho for Barcelona’s stumbles.
“What happens is that they all always expect Ronaldinho to solve everything alone, but football is a collective sport. He plays in a team, and everyone has to cooperate,” the coach said.
In the past, Dunga left Ronaldinho on the bench several times, and he was upset when the star opted out of the Brazilian squad that won this year’s Copa America in Venezuela.
Following Ronaldinho’s recent outstanding performances in friendly matches for Brazil, Dunga made it clear that he no longer has problems with the player.
“Ronaldinho is a decisive player who is going to get back in shape and deliver all that he has at Barcelona,” Dunga predicted. “Barcelona’s problems are Barcelona’s. But I know that with us, at the national team, Ronaldinho is happy, happy and cheerful.”
Ronaldinho was recently an idol for Barcelona fans, but he is now being questioned amid poor performances on the pitch and rumours of a busy nightlife.