Diniz excited about Neymar, Vinicius

combination

Brazil's Neymar, Richarlison, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior during

training. PHOTO: REUTERS
Brazil coach Fernando Diniz is looking forward to seeing
Neymar and Vinicius Jr playing together in Thursday's 2026
World Cup qualifier against Venezuela and said he is working
to build a sense of unity in the side.

Diniz took temporary charge of Brazil when Tite left the role
following their quarter-final exit at the World Cup in Qatar and will
be replaced by Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti next year.

For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

However the 49-year-old coach, who splits his time with club side
Fluminense, still hopes to make his mark with the national team and
keep them top of the South American qualifying competition.

"(Neymar and Vinicius) are extremely good players, very

intelligent, skilful and they like each other, there is also Rodrygo, a
player of a very high level," he said.

"We hope they get on well in tomorrow's game, as they have done in
training, and that they can have a great game."

Vinicius, who usually plays in the same position as Neymar, returns

to the squad after missing the first two qualifiers through injury.
"My first interaction with Vinicius was excellent, today he is one of
the greatest players in world football. Let's hope he is comfortable to
play," he added.

Finding balance and building unity is Diniz's main objective in order

to have a "competitive team".

"I feel a positive camaraderie from the players, who like each other
very much, forming that feeling of family, the older ones know how
to welcome very well those who arrive, both my committee and the
players called up," he said.

Brazil host Venezuela in Cuiaba before facing Uruguay in

Montevideo five days later. The match will start at 6.30 am Friday,
Bangladesh Time.