The Seleção fielded the likes of Alexandre Pato (21), Neymar (19) and Ganso (21) as key players in the recent Copa America, but although all three showed glimpses of their quality, none of them were consistent as Brazil made a disappointing quarter-final exit.
Now Parreira, who was in charge when Brazil won the World Cup in the USA in 1994, says the team are in a transitional phase. He believes that the young players need to grow and step into the shoes of the famous names that preceded them.
“Currently in Brazil, we have a new team,” he told reporters at a news conference. “It comes after the time of the likes of Cafu, Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaka, so the challenge is great.
“The team needs to be strong at the front and at the back,” he added. “The essence of the game is the balance between both parties. Brazil won the World Cup in 1970 and scored 19 goals, but they still let in seven.”
