Scolari Says Ronaldinho Will Be Called Up Again For The Brazilian National Team

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has revealed that Ronaldinho will be called up again to the national team ahead of the 2013 Confederations Cup despite being omitted from the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Italy and Russia. Speaking of Ronaldinho and his squad selection philosophy, Scolari remarked:

Ronaldinho will be called up next time. All potential World Cup squad members will be given at least two matches to be looked at.

Scolari then elaborated on Kaka’s recall by noting it was part of a larger philosophy of giving a select group of players the chance to display what they can do for the national team:

Kaka's return goes with our philosophy of giving everybody a chance. Many of the players are fighting for the same position. I will observe all of them and then I will decide who will go to the Confederations Cup.

Kaka and Ronaldinho play in similar positions at the heart of Brazil’s attacking midfield and it is likely there will be room for only one of the two World Cup champions on the 2014 World Cup squad. The confederations cup will be hosted in Brazil and runs from June 15 to June 30, 2013.  Brazil are the defending champions in an 8 team tournament that additionally features Spain, Japan, Mexico, Uruguay, Tahiti, Italy and Nigeria.