Paulinho has refuted claims he should be worried about his starting position in the Brazil team by claiming he is improving.
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was substituted at half time and his replacement Fernandinho impressed.
However, the 25-year-old is confident in his ability and cited recent comments from Luiz Felipe Scolari and Carlos Alberto Parreira as proof he still has their faith.
Paulinho told Lancenet: “As Scolari and Parreira said in some interviews, I’m changing, I’m growing.
“I did not get the sweet spot, but more importantly, for me, was the way I played with Luiz Gustavo. Not only me but the whole team is doing what we did in the Confederations Cup, marking strong, reducing the spaces.”
The Spurs ace did praise the quality of the group and conceded the likes of Willian and Fernandinho are capable of replacing him as well as others.
He added: “Speaking for myself, it was important to play stronger, to get back to work as it was in the Confederations Cup. All 23 who are here have total qualities.
“Fernandinho, Willian all are capable of being holders, and fight for a position, that is normal. You leave it in the hands of Scolari, who knows how to make the best choice.”
