Mano Menezes calls for 'deep discussion' of Brazilian football after Santos' Barcelona defeat
The Brazil trainer was concerned at how easily Neymar and Co. were brushed aside in the Club World Cup, but wants to use the bruising defeat as a learning experience
Brazil coach Mano Menezes admitted that he was worried by the comprehensive nature of Santos' defeat against Barcelona in the Club World Cup final, and urged his compatriots to use the setback as an opportunity to improve the country's football scene.
The Peixe were completely outclassed on the way to a 4-0 demolition, with two goals from Lionel Messi and a strike each from Xavi and Cesc Fabregas ensuring that the Catalans were crowned world champions for the second time in three years.
Speaking on Monday, Menezes recognised that Barca were far and away the best team in Yokohama, but was equally insistent that it was a chance for Brazilian football to learn from the experience and become stronger.
"As the Brazil coach I left that game with two sensations; one of sadness and one of hope," the trainer told reporters in a press conference.
"Sadness, because of the indisputable superiority of a Spanish team over a Brazilian team.
"I am hopeful, though, because, apart from the extremists, the defeat will bring every one of us into a profound discussion about the real problems in Brazilian football."
