Ryan drew attention when he admitted, in a press conference this Friday (26), that he doesn’t know the Japan team, Brazil’s next opponents in the World Cup, well. The 19-year-old player’s statement had repercussions and generated debate among commentators about the Brazilian team’s preparation for the clash.
When asked about Japan’s strengths and weaknesses, Rayan responded truthfully: “To tell you that I don’t know who his most dangerous player is, no. Just looking at the video. But I know that it’s a very qualified team, a very strong team. We know that they will work during the week to do our best and come out with the victory.”
Commentators evaluate the statement
For Cris Schwambach, the response left something to be desired from a communication point of view. “Rayan didn’t respond very well”he stated, considering, however, that the player probably had no intention of disrespecting his opponent.
“I don’t think he did it with the intention of disrespecting Japan, but like it or not, arriving just a few days before your game without knowing who you have to worry about doesn’t go over very well”these.
Edward Pepe argued that, in the face of a knockout match in the World Cup, the minimum expected of a player who should be a starter is to study the opponent. “I think the least you have to do as a starting player is to study your opponent. In a match against a team, the best thing to do is to be serious and respectful”he stated, adding that the more the Brazilian team knows about Japan, the better for Brazil.
Lack of media training and dangers from the opponent
Henrique Marsalla recalled that the situation highlights a lack of preparation to deal with the press. “There was a little lack of media training for our boy Rayan”he said, highlighting that Japan has in the competition, such as Mitoma, Minamino, Endo, Nakamura and Ito.
“You can’t afford to give that kind of response, especially with so little left until you get on the field”he completed.
The debate also addressed Brazil’s lineup for the game. after Rafinha’s injury and was well evaluated in the match against Scotland, in which he participated in goals and created opportunities.
Cris Schwambach pointed out that the coach tends to adopt a conservative stance in knockout games, maintaining the formation he had already been using. “I think he will follow this more conservative line, with the team he already has”he said, predicting that Rayan should be kept among the starters.
Brazil’s key to the competition was seen as quite difficult, with possible tough clashes ahead if the team advances.
