Abner: Current Left-Back for Brazil Discusses Role Ahead of Match Against Uruguay

Abner, the current left-back of the Brazilian national football team, has addressed concerns of a scarcity at his position, refuting such claims while preparing for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers match against Uruguay. Abner has been consistently chosen by coach Dorival Júnior for the starting lineup, solidifying his position as the left-back for the Brazilian squad. He is set to play once again on Tuesday, November 19, in a crucial encounter against Uruguay in Salvador.

In a press conference held in the capital of Bahia, Abner stated, «We do not live in a moment of scarcity; we have great players in this position. There is constant change, but everyone has delivered their best possible performance.» He emphasized that despite the rotation among players, each one is capable of playing significant roles when called upon. The current roster also includes Alex Telles, who was called up to replace the injured Arana.

Abner also addressed the issue concerning the punishment of his club, Lyon, which faces a risk of relegation. He expressed surprise and lack of detailed information about the situation, preferring to focus on the task with the national team. «I was caught by surprise. I haven’t received updates from the group. I’m with the national team now, and I need to seize this moment by focusing on the match against Uruguay,» he said.

Commenting on his role alongside teammates, especially Vini Jr., Abner spoke about the dynamics on the pitch, aiming to facilitate Vini’s gameplay by creating space. «Playing with players like Vini is a privilege,» he remarked. «My role is to provide support so that his one-on-one situations become more favorable. It’s easier to play with him as he draws in defenders and opens up spaces.»

Reflecting on his current standing in the national team, Abner stated, «Individually, I’m living a very special moment. It’s a privilege to represent the greatest team in the world. I’ve reached this point through daily work, debuting against Chile, and having a sequence of three matches is important for gaining these invaluable minutes.»

With the Brazilian team currently standing in fourth place in the South American qualifiers with 17 points, trailing Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia, the upcoming match against the Uruguayan side is crucial. Scheduled for Tuesday at 21:45 at Arena Fonte Nova, it is set to be a decisive encounter as Brazil aims to solidify its position in the qualifier table.