Remember watching England at the Euros? It was the most stifling experience; 11 men/boys petrified of making mistakes, full of anxiety about how the media at home would crucify them. There was flatly no enjoyment from the players, and subsequently the supporters either.
But in Brazil, it’s different. There’s a happiness, a flair and a feeling of celebration about football. That’s why Liverpool’s two brilliant attackers Coutinho and Roberto Firmino dance and smile when they score: they’re having fun…
Our no.10 and no.11 are currently away on international duty in South America, but have been sensational for Liverpool this term – scoring five goals apiece and registering a number of assists to boot. As a result, both could conceivably start for El Selecao in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, likely alongside Neymar.
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They’ve taken time to explain why Brazilians love football and how that translates to on-pitch success.
“Brazilian footballers have happiness within them!” Coutinho told the official website in a conversation with his best pal. “Brazilian footballers are always trying to create chances. They are very bold.
“And it has always been like this in Brazil, we have examples of great players: Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Romario. They are very skilful players. I think that’s what it is. It is a country where there are many players.”
Firmino agreed: “That’s true. [In our opinion], Brazilian football is very skilful and has a lot of quality. And the future ahead looks bright.”
“We have that style in the way we play,” continued Coutinho.
“At the front, we always try to create chances. We have been like this since we were young children. My style is more or less similar to my style when I was little.”
Naturally, Firmino thought the same: “I agree. It is a talent that God has given and thanks to it we are very grateful, and that is it. We have a happy football and we always enjoy ourselves in the games.”
We love the dynamic, creative pair and understand our best chance of glory this term is if they maintain their current form. Their long trips to South America for international breaks fill us with dread though, as even if they don’t pick up injuries, they could still return fatigued.
Brazil play Peru on Wednesday morning at 2AM our time, and then have to get back to Merseyside in time to train for our Saturday 3PM kick-off against Southampton.