COACH INSISTS THAT NO PLAYER SHOULD FEEL UNDER PRESSURE TO REPLACE NEYMAR IN BRAZIL.

Before Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina, coach Fernando Diniz stated that no player in the country should feel under pressure to step up and replace Neymar, who is out due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus.

After suffering a left knee injury while serving abroad, the 31-year-old captain had surgery earlier this month, and it is anticipated that he won’t fully heal until mid-2024.

Diniz is not anticipating the emergence of a new hero in a youthful, talented side that will play Argentina on Tuesday and Colombia on Thursday, despite losing the nation’s best scorer.

“No one needs to be concerned about assuming Neymar’s duties. Our generation is incredibly talented,” the acting coach said to reporters on Wednesday.

This is a function that many can fill, but it’s crucial that we don’t place too much pressure on them. The athletes must be light-hearted and give it their all. They will unavoidably assume center stage.

According to Diniz, players like Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal, Rodrygo and Vinicius of Real Madrid, and Raphinha of Barcelona can all excel without Neymar.

In addition, the 39-year-old coach, who was just crowned the Copa Libertadores champion, called up teenage phenom Endrick to make his debut for the five-time world champions.

“Endrick’s merit and immense future potential are the reasons he is here,” Diniz stated.

“We don’t need to hold 17-year-old Endrick to the highest standards. I see enormous promise. With regard to the forward from Palmeiras who will sign with Real Madrid in July, he stated, “Time will tell if he becomes one of those legendary players in Brazilian football.”

Brazil is tied for third place in the South American qualifying group with seven points, one point behind Argentina with 12 points after four games, along with Uruguay in second place and Venezuela in fourth.

Colombia, with six points, is ranked fifth.