Brazil manager Tite has explained why Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker was substituted during their World Cup last-16 match last night.
Alisson was replaced by third-choice ‘keeper Weverton with 10 minutes to play, despite a fine performance. And now, in quotes via Pulso Sports Peru on Twitter, Tite has come clean over the reason behind taking the Liverpool man off.
“It has been very nice to give Weverton minutes. We have a feeling of gratitude to everyone who has come here to support us,” explained the coach.
So, rather than any slight on Alisson, it was merely a gesture towards the 34-year-old backup. With Brazil 4-1 against South Korea at the time, some have perceived Tite’s move to be a little disrespectful. But, given the circumstances, you can understand his actions.
Tite stays true to form on the big stage
To some watching Brazil last night, Tite’s decisions won’t have come as any surprise. The 61-year-old has always liked to rotate between his three goalkeepers.
That doesn’t mean that Alisson isn’t the clear No.1 – he is. But with Ederson as well as Weverton also enjoying plenty of significant game time over recent years, Tite shares out the responsibility more than most other managers.
Ederson has already been the beneficiary of this – coming in for Alisson for the final group game against Cameroon.
With the Liverpool goalie restored for the knockout game, he helped put Korea out of sight before Weverton emerged.
The substitution meant that all 26 of Tite’s squad have now featured in Qatar. As far as sentiments go, it’s a nice one, and it should also mean we see Alisson feature exclusively now for Brazil.
Sunday’s quarter-final against Croatia will be the 30-year-old’s next assignment. After a stunning win over Son Heung-Min’s Korea, Brazil will be hugely confident of reaching the semi-final at least.
With Alisson between the sticks, anything really is possible. The Liverpool stopper is without doubt the best goalkeeper left in the tournament.
Boasting the likes of Neymar and Vinicius Junior in-form further up the pitch, Brazil are going to take some stopping.
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