The new boss overcame his early nerves in Rio as he announced his squad and Brasil Global Tour's Raisa Simplicio was in Rio to gauge those vital first impressions
Rogerio Micale appeared a little tense as he took his seat at CBF headquarters on Wednesday to announce the final 18-man Brazil squad for the Rio Olympics.
Drafted in at the last minute following the dismissal of previous coach Dunga, he had not expected to be here.
But the waiting media were more than willing to forgive what he later admitted were “butterflies”. Micale was really used to having the limelight fixed so firmly on him.
For the first time Micale was facing the entire nation, and with his new boss, Tite, taking a front-row seat. After quickly overcoming his early nerves, the new Olympic coach consistently spoke with humility, grace and a realisation of the great task that lies ahead.
He took the time to respond directly to every journalist who stood to ask him a question, first wishing them well and asking in turn how they were.
As the questions rolled in, the discussion quickly turned to Neymar and the potential leaders in the 18-man squad. Micale admitted he did not know the Barcelona star personally and was looking forward to sitting down for a one-on-one chat prior to the tournament in August.
He left most in attendance confident and satisfied with the CBF’s decision to hand him the role, with journalists unanimous in their support of his squad, refusing even to question him too insistently over the surprising decision to take 37-year-old Palmeiras goalkeeper Fernando Prass as his No. 1.
The CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro was calm, quiet, and in high spirits. It feels like a weight has been lifted following the disappointment of Copa America. Gone was the stress and tension that has existed since World Cup 2014.
Coach Rogerio Micale is now talking about the hard work and sacrifice the team must make at @Rio2016 to win gold pic.twitter.com/3CkbpFcNja
— Brasil Global Tour (@BGT_ENG) June 29, 2016
There is a belief that Brazil are on the right track, and everybody is firmly behind both the team and the men charged with returning the Selecao to the top of the world game.
Micale’s Olympic squad will convene on July 18 at the Comary Granja training complex in Teresopolis to begin preparations for the Rio games. They will stay there until July 27 when they head to Goiania ahead of a friendly against Japan three days later.
Brazil were drawn in Group A of the Rio Olympics alongside South Africa, Iraq and Denmark.
..... - Goal