Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho has rejected claims that his starting position in the national team is under threat due to his recent lack of opportunities at White Hart Lane.
The Brazilian hasn’t played in Spurs’ last two matches and even the three games prior to that, defeats to Arsenal, Benfica and Chelsea, Paulinho only played 90 minutes once.
Although talk of a fallout between him and Spurs manager Tim Sherwood is premature, his lack of playing time is a slight concern to the 25-year-old.
Zee News quoted Paulinho after he spoke to Folha de S.Paulo, he said: “I have always played, so for me it’s strange not to be out there.
“I have to understand that it’s the way things are doing in Europe, with rotation but I would like to be playing.
“I don’t think my form has dropped away. I have been working hard like I always do.”
Paulinho was also pressed on whether he could be guaranteed a starting position in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Brazil team when he isn’t starting for Tottenham.
“The Brazil coaching staff knows me. I want to be a part of the national team. Whether I am in the starting team or not will depend on my World Cup preparation,” Paulinho concluded.
