Brazil’s problems run deep, warns ex-captain Gilberto Silva

Sport360 staff 11:00 14/07/2014
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Long-standing issues throughout the Brazilian game have led to disappointment in their home World Cup, according to Gilberto Silva.

    The 2002 tournament winner, and ex-national captain, believes the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) needs to work closer with the government, club sides and ex-professionals to improve football at every level. 

    Having won the right to host the 2014 tournament – despite their bid leading to mass protests due to the amount of money required to stage the World Cup – Brazil could not deliver the trophy and were humiliated in the semi-finals as they crashed out following a 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany.

    And Gilberto said: “It is hard to say where things went wrong. It is not all about the national team – it is about what is happening in Brazilian football. 

    “The way people administrate football and run football in this country, they must work better on coaching schools and academies.

    “There is something also with the country’s problems. Everyone expected us to win as a solution for the problems in our country but I hope people pay attention and try to work better to find a solution, that is what I want.”

    The ex-Arsenal midfielder revealed he had teamed up with a number of former internationals to raise concerns about the running of the Brazilian game 12 months ago.

    “A group of players, we have good sense, we asked for months,” he said. “We spoke to CBF and the government to speak about the situation and the football. Now people are starting to pay attention.”

    Recommended