Brazil coach feels Copa pressure

Brazil coach Mano Menezes is feeling the pressure ahead of his side’s Copa America defence.

Menezes replaced Dunga as Brazil boss in the wake of their 2-1 loss to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup, and his rebuild of the squad has attracted criticism after some lacklustre displays.

But the 48-year-old is determined to press ahead and claim a ninth Copa America title – and banish the blues of their poor World Cup.

“The renovation has been intense,” Menezes said. “If you look at the names today, there are only four players who were starters in the last World Cup: Julio Cesar, Lucio, Robinho and Elano.”

Menezes’ hopes centre around a new style of play, featuring the lethal combination of young superstar Neymar and Lucas Moura.

Sao Paulo forward Lucas has netted three goals in his six national team appearances.

“In the game against Holland I brought Lucas on,” Menezes said.

“His will and talent got him trying to take matters into his own hands. But he started running with the ball desperately, of course this has a good side.”

“It shows personality, courage, and shows us he has the characteristics to become an important player.”

The change of tactics has not been good news for all the Brazilian mainstays.

Lazio’s versatile midfielder Hernanes scored 11 goals in Serie A last season, but that success did not warrant a place in Menezes’ system.

“We need someone who is a little more dynamic, and moves around more to play as a midfielder,” he said.

“Hernanes is a player who has strength and has a great shot on goal. He fits in very well with the Italian way of playing with three midfielders backing up a playmaker who approaches the frontline. But I’m not setting Brazil up this way.”

Brazil’s Copa America campaign gets under way on July 3 against Venezuela.