Brazil national team boss Dunga has criticised the attitude of Real Madrid defender Marcelo, who has favoured playing for his club Real Madrid rather than the national team.

During the recent World Cup 2018 qualifying games against Uruguay and Paraguay, Marcelo was unavailable for selection. However, he was available for Real Madrid and it has led to a lot of debate about the future of the defender at international level. It has also started a war of words between the two camps with Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane claiming that Brazil were a lot of lies.

Dunga, in response, claimed that Marcelo was lacking in commitment and attitude and that he was not fit to be playing for Brazil. Dunga’s main criticism of the left back comes from his lack of communication with the team doctors about his inability to play or being fit. Since he is made aware of the players condition every three days a week, Dunga says that it is vital that each information is conveyed to doctors who later pass on the information to him. He quoted the recent example of Roberto Firmino, who got in touch with the doctors to inform them about his inability to take part in the recent qualifying games.

"We did not speak [before the squad was named]. We have [each others'] numbers. He did not tell the doctors anything about feeling good and the doctors said nothing to me. It is about being responsible. Every Monday, Thursday or Friday I am told if any player who is going to be called up has any physical issue. Players like [Roberto] Firmino and Ricardo Oliveira were in touch with the doctor. That is important. A player who wants to be with the Brazil team must show the right attitude, responsibility and commitment,” said Dunga.