Menezes explains key omissions

30 March 2012 18:35

Brazil coach Mano Menezes has explained the reason he left Real Madrid playmaker Kaka out of his squad for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Kaka, 29, was one of the most high-profile players who failed the make the 52-man provisional list announced earlier this month, a decision which has been condemned by some observers in Brazil.

But Menezes feels the former AC Milan star needs to complete pre-season with his club in preparation for hitting peak form at the 2014 World Cup.

"I think that Kaka can play a big role at the World Cup in 2014," Menezes told Arena SporTV.

"I think that in order for than to happen, the next season will be very important.

"2012-13 will say if he can play one more World Cup. And for this to happen, the pre-season will be crucial for him.

"And it happens that the Olympic Games take place exactly during pre-season in Europe.

"If I believe that he can be at the World Cup and that next season will be crucial, then I have to let him do what he needs to do."

Menezes, 49, said AC Milan's Robinho has been left out of his squad for London 2012 as a result of Brazil's disappointing campaign in the Copa America last year.

"He had been a regular under Dunga and also under me," Menezes said.

"And when you do not win a tournament like Copa America, players are held accountable for that.

"I thought that the best thing would be to give him a time off from the national team. Because as one of the team's biggest players, you have more responsibility.

"I believe we can still count on him, because he is an experienced player in a group of players which is very young."