BRAZIL
Tite responds to criticism of Rodrygo's lack of playing time
Rodrygo Goes played just 21 minutes across two friendlies for Brazil, and Tite explained the reason behind his decision.
Tite rejected criticism of his decision to play Rodrygo Goes for just two minutes in Brazil's 3-0 win over South Korea on Tuesday.
The Brazil coach said on Monday he would be patient with the teenage forward, who has made an impressive start to life at Real Madrid.
Rodrygo has scored twice in four LaLiga appearances for Madrid and notched a hat-trick in their 6-0 Champions League demolition of Galatasaray this month.
The 18-year-old got 19 minutes on his debut in the 1-0 loss to Argentina on Friday and received even less playing time in Abu Dhabi.
"It's one thing to throw Rodrygo into a system that's already structured, like Real's. It's another thing to put him in a team that is being reassembled, even if he was doing the same job in the same position," said Tite.
"It was so hard to organise for the team for today and they responded well. They were close to scoring a fourth and a fifth.
"It was a chance for Fabinho, Renan Lodi and Militao. They earned the chance and asserted themselves. Could it have been Rodrygo? Yes, but I preserved the continuity and the good moment of the team in the game."