Brazil coach Mano Menezes has spoke positively about Seleção hopeful Diego Cavalieri but ignored questions about Fred, following Fluminese’s win over Flamengo.
The two Fluminense players have been tipped for Seleção call-ups, but were not summoned by the 50-year-old for Brazil’s two friendlies with Argentina or the games against Iraq and Poland later this month.
When asked about the pair, Menezes praised the Brazilian goalkeeper, who has no caps to his name, but ignored questions about striker Fred, who he has snubbed on numerous occasions.
He said: “His [Cavalieri] stance has been brilliant as a professional, knowing how things work in football.
“He has been one of the main, if not the main goalkeeper in this season"s Brasileirão.
“If Cavalieri is the goalkeeper who is best, he will receive the opportunity."
When asked by a reporter as to why he did not talk about Fred in his previous reply, Menezes said “I spoke exactly the way I wanted to talk."
Fred, who scored Fluminense’s only goal during the 1-0 win over rivals Flamengo, has previously stated that he is “not even thinking about the Seleção whilst Menezes is in charge".
These comments didn’t sit well with the national coach, who still hasn’t selected the former Lyon striker, despite him being the Brasileirão’s top goalscorer.
When asked about Sunday"s derby, Menezes added: “Of course I watched it.
“People think you do not see the merits of others. I just cannot have a new name in the squad every week.
“I want more and more players playing at a high level, so you can choose the best among them."
